A Thiago Almada strike forced saved Argentina from defeat against Colombia in a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier as Lionel Messi started.
ALMADA STRIKE SAVES LA ALBICELESTE FROM DEFEAT AS ARGENTINA REMAINS UNBEATEN
Furthermore, an Almada strike saved the La Albiceleste from defeat, as Argentina fought to a 1-1 draw on Tuesday before 85,018 fans at the Estadio Mas Monumental in Buenos Aires.
Moreover, the 24-year-old midfielder converted an Exequiel Palacios pass to a late equalizer in the 81st minute enabled Argentina to stay unbeaten after five-straight matches.
Almada helped the La Albiceleste salvage a point against the Los Cafeteros despite playing with just 10 men.
Argentine Midfielder Enzo Fernandez was sent off with a red card.
He accidentally struck Kevin Castano in the 70th minute.
The La Albiceleste still played hard despite already qualified for the World Cup.
The World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
MESSI STARTS BUT WAS REPLACED LATER, WENT SCORELESS
Messi started in his first match for Argentina this year before he was substituted three minutes before Almada scored the equalizer.
Moreover, the 37-year-old Inter Miami forward went scoreless as he hit the deck several times after defenders challenged him.
Furthermore, he left the match unscathed.
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni opted to start him to please the hometown crowd.
“Tomorrow (Tuesday), Leo Messi will start,” the 47-year-old manager wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
“Let’s hope the fans enjoy watching him – and the team,” he added.
MESSI TO RETURN TO INTER MIAMI; MISSED OPPORTUNITY FOR COLOMBIA AFTER DIAZ’S OPENING GOAL
Messi is set to return to Inter Miami on Wednesday in preparation for the FIFA Club World Cup.
Furthermore, the veteran is expected to play for Inter Miami in its Club World Cup opener against Egyptian side Al Ahly on Saturday.
Moreover, the Major League Soccer squad is also scheduled to face FC Porto of Portugal on June 19 in Atlanta.
Meanwhile, it was a wasted opportunity for Colombia to come close to World Cup qualification, as they remained in sixth place with 22 points.
Liverpool star Luis Diaz opened the match with an impressive goal for Colombia in the 24th minute.
However, Argentina was not to be denied by forcing the draw.
Visit our FIFA World Cup 2026 website for more football news and other updates.
