La Albiceleste showcased their dominance with Julian Alvarez delivering a Man of the Match performance.
In their first match since winning the 2024 Copa America, Argentina avoided any hangover by defeating Chile 3-0 in World Cup Qualifying on Thursday night. Goals from Alexis Mac Allister, Julian Alvarez, and Paulo Dybala secured an emphatic victory.
Before the match, Argentina and their fans paid tribute to Angel Di Maria, who announced his international retirement after the Copa America win. With his family by his side, Di Maria gave an emotional speech to a sold-out crowd, setting a sentimental tone for the game.
The first half was dynamic and contentious, ending scoreless. However, Lionel Scaloni’s side came out with intensity in the second half. Just three minutes in, Mac Allister scored off an Alvarez assist to give Argentina a 1-0 lead.
The second half was all about Alvarez. The Man City striker, comfortable in a front-two, scored a stunning goal in the 84th minute, doubling Argentina’s lead. In stoppage time, Paulo Dybala came off the bench to score the third goal, sealing the victory.
With this win, Argentina remains 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 trailing by one point in third. Argentina will travel to Barranquilla, Colombia, on Tuesday to face Los Cafeteros.
