Argentina  continued their long and seemingly endless triumphant march. In their first match after the 2024 Copa America glory, Lionel Messi’s absence was no problem.

A win with a big score difference, a performance with many new things and comfort is what Argentina showed when hosting  Chile  at El Monumental stadium (Buenos Aires).

Julian Alvarez shines in Argentina’s victory

Mac Allister opened the scoring, Julian Alvarez doubled the lead and Paulo Dybala sealed the result at 3-0 to complete an emotional tribute to Angel Di Maria.

Despite the empty stands at El Monumental, partly due to FIFA’s punishment, partly due to the absence of captain Messi, and many Argentines not receiving their August salaries, “La Albiceleste” still had a memorable party.

Lionel Scaloni’s team appeared before kick-off to dedicate the 2024 Copa America title to the fans.

Along with that was an emotional farewell for Di Maria, who decided to end his international career after his glory in the US less than 2 months ago.

The moment of farewell to Di Maria

After those moments, Argentina gifted fans with a new victory to maintain their leading position in the  2026 World Cup qualifiers  in South America.

It is true that at times Argentina lacked flexibility and were not sharp enough in the final metres. However, individual talent helped the home team make the difference.

Chile managed to drag Argentina into the break level, with the visitors almost scoring in stoppage time, with Matias Catalan hitting the post with a header. However, just three minutes into the second half, the goals came pouring down.

Julian Alvarez played the role of Messi, penetrating the penalty area and making a pass that broke the Chilean defense, Lautaro Martinez faked a move for Mac Allister to comfortably finish and score.

Argentina dominated the tense match. In the 84th minute, the home team surrounded the Chilean penalty area to steal the ball, Lo Celso assisted Alvarez to shoot with his left foot from outside the box to score.

Entering the first minute of injury time of the second half, the substitutes spoke up. Dybala received the ball from Garnacho, advanced a bit and then shot diagonally past goalkeeper Gabriel Arias.

Argentina consolidated their top spot and made an away trip to Colombia on the night of September 10.

Goals:  Mac Allister 48′, Julian Alvarez 84′, Dybala 90’+1.