Julián Álvarez powers Argentina to a 1-0 victory over Chile, while Lionel Messi has a subdued performance coming off the bench.
FIFA World Cup Qualifiers – Chile 0-1 Argentina: Match Highlights & Full-Time Score.
Chile vs. Argentina: FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier Highlights
In a crucial CONMEBOL World Cup 2026 qualifier match held in Santiago’s Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos on June 5, Argentina secured a 1-0 victory over Chile, with Julián Álvarez scoring the decisive goal in the 16th minute. The Atlético Madrid striker’s early strike solidified Argentina’s position at the top of the CONMEBOL standings, confirming their qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Meanwhile, Chile continues to struggle at the bottom of the rankings.
Lionel Messi, who started on the bench, entered the match in the 58th minute. Despite a relatively quiet performance, the Inter Miami star, named MLS Player of the Month on the same day, showed flashes of brilliance. His 67th-minute shot was deflected by a Chilean defender, and a well-placed free kick in the 77th minute was saved by goalkeeper Brayan Cortés. In the 83rd minute, Messi’s precise through ball set up Giuliano Simeone, but the shot missed the target.
Argentina, led by the defending World Cup champions, now prepares to face Colombia in another qualifier on Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET. Messi will then return to South Florida for Inter Miami’s FIFA Club World Cup opener against Al Ahly on June 14 at Hard Rock Stadium.
