Even without Lionel Messi (38, Inter Miami), there was Lionel Scaloni (47). Argentina defeated South American powerhouse Uruguay and is getting closer to qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
On the 22nd at 8:30 a.m. (Korea time), Argentina secured a 1-0 victory against Uruguay in the 13th round of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, thanks to Thiago Almada's winning goal at Estadio Centenario in Montevideo.
With this victory, Argentina recorded 9 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses (28 points), maintaining its sole lead among 10 South American teams, and only needs to add 1 point in the next match to secure direct qualification for the World Cup.
The biggest topic during this international match gathering was Messi's absence. Lionel Messi missed the roster due to a minor muscle injury sustained in the thigh after playing the full match against Atlanta in Major League Soccer on the 17th. Coach Scaloni initially included Messi on the roster but decided to exclude him considering his physical condition.
There was no 'dependency on Messi.' Although key attackers Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan), Paulo Dybala, and Gonzalo Montiel also missed the game, key players such as Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Cristian Romero, and Emiliano Martínez performed well.
The crucial moment of the match came in the 68th minute. Álvarez broke through the left side of the penalty area and passed to Thiago Almada, who curled the ball with his right foot near the penalty arc, scoring a goal. It was a perfect shot and Almada's 3rd goal in 7 international matches.
In the final moments of the match, Argentina faced a crisis. In stoppage time of the second half, Nicolás González was sent off after hitting an opponent's head during an aerial duel, but even with the numerical disadvantage, Argentina maintained the lead without conceding.
Meanwhile, Uruguay demonstrated solid organization under coach Marcelo Bielsa throughout the match. European players such as Federico Valverde, Giménez, Ronald Araújo, and Rodrigo Bentancur were also introduced and performed well, but they couldn't capitalize on crucial chances, dropping to 4th place.
Argentina will face Brazil at home on March 26. Currently leading with 28 points, Argentina has a 15-point gap over 7th place Bolivia (13 points). If Argentina records just one draw in the remaining 5 matches, they will secure a direct ticket to the World Cup, skipping the intercontinental playoffs.
Having qualified for 13 consecutive World Cups from the 1974 West Germany tournament to the 2022 Qatar tournament, Argentina is likely to make its 19th World Cup appearance at the 2026 North American tournament. Alongside South Korea, which is aiming for its 11th consecutive entry as the first from Asia, Argentina continues to uphold its status as a traditional powerhouse from its continent.
In another qualifier held the same day, Ecuador defeated Venezuela 2-1. Enner Valencia scored two goals to lead the team's victory, bringing Ecuador to 2nd place with 22 points.
However, Ecuador is currently under a 3-point deduction due to player eligibility controversies at the start of these qualifiers. Although their actual record is 7 wins, 4 draws, and 2 losses, their official points stand at 22.
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