The world champions dominated Thursday's game, with the Atletico Madrid new boy showing just why the Rojiblancos paid so much for him
Argentina avoided a Copa America hangover in their first match since claiming the 2024 trophy, defeating Chile 3-0 in World Cup qualifying on Thursday. Goals from Alexis Mac Allister, Julian Alvarez and Paulo Dybala sealed all three points in an emphatic victory.
Ahead of the contest, La Albiceleste, all the fans in attendance and those around the world watched as Argentina paid tribute and goodbye to legend Angel Di Maria. The dynamic winger announced his international retirement after winning the Copa, and with his family by his side, he gave a emotional speech in front of a sold-out crowd, with flashlights from cell phones beaming from the stands and cheers echoing from around the ground.
After a dynamic and contentious first 45 minutes, the two sides went into half-time scoreless. However, Argentina came out of the break with intensity, and just three minutes into the second half, Mac Allister fired home to give them a 1-0 lead off an Alvarez assist.
The story of the final 45 wasn't the Liverpool midfielder, rather it was Alvarez, who energised the big stage in the absence of the injured Lionel Messi. The Atletico Madrid striker looked comfortable in a front-two, and his moment arrived in the 84th minute. He received the ball on the edge of the box, hit a lovely turn and fired in a rocket of an effort that bounced in off the crossbar.
A third goal came in stoppage-time, with Roma star Dybala coming off the bench and launching a a strike into the back of the net.
With the victory, Lionel Scaloni's side stayed atop the CONMEBOL standings in World Cup qualifying, with 18 points out of 21. They hold a five-point lead over second place Uruguay, with Colombia – Argentina's next opponents on Tuesday – in third.
GOAL rates Argentina's players from Estadio Mas Monumental.
Article continues below
