Argentina continued their winning ways, following up their Copa America triumph with a convincing 3-0 victory over Chile in a 2026 World Cup qualifier at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. The match was decided by second-half goals from Alexis Mac Allister (48′), new Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez (84′), and Paulo Dybala, who wore the number 10 shirt in Messi’s absence.
Among the “Italian-based” players starting for Argentina were Nico Gonzalez and Lautaro Martinez. Gonzalez, however, had to leave the field 5 minutes into the second half due to a suspected muscle problem. The match also saw Taty Castellanos make his debut for the national team, coming on as a substitute for Alvarez in the 89th minute.
Lautaro Martinez played 79 minutes before being replaced by Garnacho. Although he didn’t score, the Inter Milan striker showcased his quality with several impressive plays, including a clever dummy that set up Mac Allister for Argentina’s opening goal. His performance earned him praise after the match.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the game, Martinez commented on his Ballon d’Or nomination: “For the season I’ve had, I think I deserve to be where I am. Because I’ve worked hard and I’ve also suffered a lot in previous years. It’s the second time I’m in the final phase of the Ballon d’Or, and I believe I have what it takes to be there.”
