The Argentine men’s national football team beat Chile 3-0 on Thursday to extend its lead at the top of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Playing at River Plate’s Monumental stadium, the Albiceleste lined up for the first time in over ten years without Lionel Messi — recovering from an injury — and Ángel Di Maria, who retired from the national team. However, Lionel Scaloni’s team showed little sign of slowing down, with goals by Alexis Mac Allister, Julián Álvarez and Paulo Dybala.
Early on, it looked like it was going to be a case of “no Messi, no party” for Argentina. While the Albiceleste never struggled to impose itself in the game, it was actually Chile that had the biggest chance of the first half. A long cross from defender Mauricio Isla found Matías Catalán, who sent his header clashing against the far right post, the ensuing metallic noise sparking sighs of relief from the Argentine crowd.
It was all forgotten as soon as the second half kicked off. Just three minutes in, striker Julián Álvarez put in a low cross that Lautaro Martínez skipped, allowing Mac Allister to hit it and open the scoreboard.
The goal gave wings to Argentina at the same time that it forced Chile to push forward for a tie and leave more gaps behind. The Albiceleste had a few chances to extend its lead, but it wasn’t until the final 10 minutes that it wrapped things up. In the 84th, Álvarez made it 2-0 with a powerful strike from outside the box.
Six minutes later, another great Argentina play allowed forward Paulo Dybala — who was wearing the iconic number 10 as FIFA mandates all numbers 1 to 23 used — a free shot inside the box for the final 3-0.
“It was a tricky game, and our first half wasn’t any good,” said Scaloni in the press conference after the game. “We were able to talk and make some adjustments during half time that allowed us to come out with a different game after that. I feel the result is fair.”
With plenty of fireworks after the game as the Albiceleste celebrated the 2024 Copa America win, the coach insisted that he doesn’t want any player to lose focus and that the national team needs every player he summons.
Argentina will play next away against Colombia on September 10. The match, set to take place at the Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez, will kick off at 5:30 p.m. Argentina time.
Di María’s emotional farewell
Ahead of the game, the Albiceleste fans bid farewell to Ángel Di María, who had announced that he was retiring from the national team after the 2024 Copa América.
The tribute began with a highlight reel of El Fideo’s best moments with the Argentina jersey, voiced by his eldest daughter Mia. It was followed by a video message by Messi, who was unable to attend the ceremony, and a rendition of “No me olvides” (Don’t forget me) by Argentine singer Abel Pintos.
“It’s very hard to speak,” said an emotional Di María when it was his time to do so. The 36 year old forward took the occasion to thank everyone who accompanied him in his journey, from the Argentine Football Association employees, to former teammates, coaches and his family.
“Now I’m just another fan,” he said, “I’ll be up there in the stands, cheering on the team in the Copa América and the World Cups.”