Messi's Late Show in Argentina's Win Over Chile
Okay, so let's talk about last night's Argentina vs. Chile World Cup qualifier. It wasn't exactly a Messi masterclass, but it was a win nonetheless, and that's what matters, right? The final score? A nail-biting 1-0 victory for the defending World Cup champions.
Alvarez's Early Goal Sets the Tone
Honestly, the match got off to a pretty exciting start. Atlético Madrid's Julián Álvarez popped up with a goal in the 16th minute. It gave Argentina the early lead and fueled their energy for the rest of the match. It was definitely one of those moments that shifted the momentum, you know?
Messi's Appearance and Quiet Performance
Now, here's the thing about Messi. He didn’t start, which, honestly, I found a little surprising considering his recent form with Inter Miami. But the man came on as a sub in the 58th minute, playing almost 40 minutes, here at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in Santiago. It was a fairly quiet night for him, though – even after he bagged the MLS Player of the Month award earlier in the day!
- Key Moment: A shot in the 67th minute was blocked at the last second.
- Another Attempt: His free-kick in the 77th was on target, but the Chilean keeper, Brayan Cortés, was equal to it.
- Almost a Goal!: He did create a really nice chance for Giuliano Simeone in the 83rd with a great pass, but the finish wasn't there. A little frustrating, I'd say.
Despite the relatively low-key performance, it's always significant to have him on the pitch, especially for a team already qualified for the 2026 World Cup.
What's Next for Messi and Argentina?
Things are busy for Messi and the team! They’ve already clinched a spot in the 2026 World Cup, so these last few qualifiers are more about maintaining momentum and form. Next up is a home match against Colombia this Tuesday, which I'm really looking forward to seeing. Then, it’s back to Miami for the FIFA Club World Cup with Inter Miami. He'll be kicking things off against Al Ahly in Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium on June 14th. It’s going to be a jam-packed few weeks!
Scaloni's Thoughts on Messi's Fitness
Argentina's coach, Lionel Scaloni, had some interesting comments about Messi's fitness earlier in the week. He essentially said they hadn’t decided whether Messi would start or not, mostly because they wanted to see how he felt physically. This was before the match in Chile and makes sense, given his recent run of games in MLS. The guy is 37, after all!
Watching the Match
If you missed the game, you can catch replays on various channels like TYC Sports Internacional USA (on DirecTV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, and Fubo), or via a Fanatiz pay-per-view stream.
Conclusion
In short, Argentina secured a win against Chile. Messi’s contribution wasn’t flashy, but his presence certainly boosted the team. This win cemented their position at the top of the Conmebol World Cup qualifying standings. Now, all eyes are on Messi's upcoming matches – both with Argentina and his club. Stay tuned!
