The opposition was subdued by La Albiceleste, led by Julian Alvarez, who was named Man of the Match.

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Argentina defeated Chile 3-0 on Thursday night in World Cup Qualifying, avoiding a Copa America hangover in their first game since winning the 2024 title. Paulo Dybala, Julian Alvarez, and Alexis Mac Allister all scored goals to ensure an overwhelming victory and all three points.

All of the spectators, both local and international, watched as Argentina honoured and said farewell to the legendary Angel Di Maria prior to the match, La Albiceleste. Following his Copa victory, the energetic winger declared his retirement from international competition. Accompanied by his family, he delivered an emotional address to an entirely sold-out audience, as cheers reverberated from all over the stadium and cell phone torches shone brightly from the stands.

La Albiceleste had more on the line in 2026 World Cup qualifying than just points; they owed their friend, teammate, and legend a performance to remember. This attitude set the tone for the game.

The two teams went into halftime without a point after a lively and intense first forty-five minutes. But Lionel Scaloni’s team emerged from the interval fired up. With an assist from Alvarez, Mac Allister scored the game’s first goal three minutes into the second half to give them a 1-0 lead.

It was Alvarez who brought life to the main stage, not the Liverpool midfield player, who was the story of the last forty-five minutes. The 84th minute marked the arrival of the Man City striker, who seemed at ease in a front-two. He got the ball on top of the box, made a beautiful move, and unleashed a rocket of an attempt that sent the ball bar-down into the back of the net to increase their lead in the closing moments.

Roma’s Paulo Dybala scored a third goal in stoppage time after coming off the bench and hitting the back of the net.

With 18 points out of 21, La Albiceleste maintains their lead in the CONMEBOL standings for World Cup qualifying following the win. They are ahead of second-place Uruguay by five points, while Colombia is one point behind La Celeste in third. To play Los Cafeteros, La Albiceleste will travel to Barranquilla, Colombia on Tuesday.

Argentina’s players at Estadio Mas Monumental are ranked by GOAL.

Goalkeeper & Defense

Emiliano Martinez (8/10):

Made an outstanding save in the first half, and was a rock when called upon in the late stages. Another top display.

Lisandro Martinez (7/10):

Was a threat in the attack on set pieces, including one chance on target. A well-rounded performance from the Man United defender.

Cristian Romero (7/10):

Composed out of the back. A few dodgy moments, but he recovered well.

Nicolas Otamendi (8/10):

A passing clinic from the veteran of the three. Still brilliant 36, completing 96% of his 84 total passes.

Midfield

Nahuel Molina (7/10):

Composed as a wingback, operated the right flank well.

Rodrigo De Paul (8/10):

Class as always in the middle of the park. Was composed on and off the ball and led as a veteran should with a youthful midfield around him.

Alexis Mac Allister (8/10):

Sensational in the middle of pitch, and scored the crucial opener. Linked with the striker tandem well.

Enzo Fernandez (7/10):

Not his most influential performance, but didn’t put a foot wrong, either.

Nico Gonzalez (6/10):

Subbed off with an injury minutes into the second half. Employed as a wingback, he kept Chile quiet when called upon, but didn’t influence the attack much.

Attack

Lautaro Martinez (6/10):

Not his best evening. Struggled to find space, but did play a decent decoy to help Mac Allister bag his effort. No shots on the night.

Julian Alvarez (9/10):

A nice assist on Mac Allister’s opener, but his moment came in the 84th, when he bagged his long-range stunner from 20 yards out. Brilliant showing.

AFP

Subs & Manager

Giovani Lo Celso (8/10):

Subbed on for an injured Gonzalez early in the second half, bagged an assist on Alvarez’s stunner. Great cameo.

Marcos Acuna (N/A):

Subbed on with 11 minutes to spare. Helped close out match.

Paulo Dybala (8/10):

Subbed on in 79th minute, capitalized on the moment, scoring the third goal. Perfect performance off the bench.

Alejandro Garnacho (7/10):

Assisted on Dybala’s third, was lively off the bench in his 11 minutes (plus stoppage).

Valentin Castellanos (N/A):

Subbed on in the 89th.

Lionel Scaloni (8/10):

An outstanding second half. His words throughout the interval motivated his players, and they emerged for the remaining forty-five minutes a different team. Alvarez appeared as good as he had ever looked for La Albiceleste, and the onslaught was searing. Be happy, I think.