In a match that had fans on the edge of their seats, Argentina edged Chile 1-0 in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, thanks to a goal from Julián Álvarez and a special return by Lionel Messi. The game, played in Santiago on June 5, 2025, showed why Argentina is still the team to beat in South American football, while Chile’s hopes of making it to the World Cup are fading fast.
The Big Moments
The match started with both teams looking to make an impact. Chile had the first real chance when Alexis Sánchez tested Argentina’s goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, but the shot was saved. Argentina, however, quickly took control. In the 16th minute, a beautiful team move led by Leonardo Balerdi and Thiago Almada set up Julián Álvarez, who chipped the ball over the Chilean goalkeeper to give Argentina the lead.
Argentina’s coach, Lionel Scaloni, had picked a strong team with experienced defenders Cristian Romero and Nicolás Otamendi, and young talent like Álvarez up front. The team kept pressing, but Chile’s defense held firm for the rest of the half.
Messi’s Return
The second half brought the moment many fans were waiting for—Lionel Messi’s return to the pitch. After missing previous qualifiers due to injury, Messi came on as a substitute in the 57th minute, replacing Nico Paz. His appearance lifted the team and the crowd, even though he didn’t create any big chances. Messi’s presence alone seemed to boost Argentina’s confidence and gave them an extra layer of creativity in midfield.
Chile’s Struggles
For Chile, the night was tough. They have now lost more than half of their qualifying matches and have only managed two wins in 14 games. Scoring goals has been a big problem for them, with just nine goals in those 14 matches. Their coach, Ricardo Gareca, will need to find a way to turn things around quickly if they want to keep any hope of qualifying for the World Cup alive.
Argentina’s Dominance
Even though Argentina has already secured their place in the 2026 World Cup, they played with the same hunger and focus as if everything was still on the line. The team showed great teamwork, solid defense, and enough attacking talent to win even without some of their key players. This win keeps Argentina at the top of the standings and sends a clear message to their rivals.
A Look at the Bigger Picture
From a neutral point of view, this match showed why Argentina is still one of the best teams in the world. They have a mix of experienced players and young stars, and they know how to win even when the pressure is on. For Chile, the picture is less bright. Their lack of goals and inability to win important matches means they are now fighting an uphill battle to qualify.
What This Means for the Future
For Argentina, the future looks bright. With Messi back and young players like Álvarez and others stepping up, they seem ready for the challenges ahead. The team is not just relying on one star but is building a strong squad that can perform even when Messi is not at his best.
For Chile, things are more uncertain. They need to find a way to score more goals and win more matches if they want to keep their World Cup dreams alive. It’s not impossible, but it will take a lot of hard work and maybe a bit of luck.
A Word on Messi
Lionel Messi’s return was a big talking point. Even though he didn’t score or make any game-changing plays, just having him on the pitch made a difference. Fans love to see him play, and his experience and leadership help the team stay calm and focused. For young players, playing alongside Messi is a dream come true and a great learning experience.
Football fans around the world love matches like this. Seeing top teams and players compete at the highest level is always exciting. For Argentine fans, the win is a reason to celebrate, but they know the real challenge is still ahead—the World Cup itself. For Chilean fans, it’s a time to hope for a turnaround and support their team through tough times.
Final Thoughts
Argentina’s 1-0 win over Chile in the 2026 World Cup qualifier was a showcase of teamwork, talent, and determination. Julián Álvarez’s goal and Messi’s return were the highlights, but the real story is how Argentina continues to set the standard in South American football. For Chile, the road ahead is tough, but in football, anything can happen.
This match reminded us why we love the game—the passion, the drama, and the chance to see legends like Messi in action. As the qualifiers continue, all eyes will be on Argentina to see if they can keep their winning streak going, and on Chile to see if they can find a way to bounce back.
In the end, football is about more than just the result. It’s about the stories, the players, and the fans. And in this match, there was plenty for everyone to enjoy and think about.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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