Argentina triumphs over Chile 3-0 in World Cup qualifier

Argentina secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Chile in a World Cup qualifying match held at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. The match took place on Thursday, with Alexis Mac Allister scoring the first goal shortly after halftime in the 48th minute. Julián Álvarez extended the lead with a goal in the 84th minute, and Paulo Dybala capped off the scoring in the 90th minute. This win allowed Argentina to maintain its position at the top of the South American qualifying standings with 18 points after seven matches. The match was notable for the absence of star player Lionel Messi, who is sidelined due to a right ankle injury sustained during the Copa America final against Colombia. His future playing status remains uncertain, which adds pressure on the team as they aim for World Cup qualification. Additionally, Ángel Di María, who has retired from international football, was honored by fans and teammates before the match, marking the end of his 16-year career with the national team. Argentina's performance in this match reflects their resilience and depth, as they managed to secure a significant win without two of their key players. The team is focused on qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The top six teams in the South American standings will qualify, while the seventh-placed team will enter a playoff against another confederation. In a related match, Bolivia achieved a 4-0 victory over Venezuela, showcasing the impact of playing at high altitude. This win marked Bolivia's second victory in four home matches, further emphasizing the competitive nature of the South American qualifiers as teams vie for a spot in the upcoming World Cup.