Lionel Messi came off the bench as Argentina, the World Cup champions, won 1-0 against Chile in a World Cup qualifying match Thursday night.

Argentina beat Chile 1-0 on Matchday 15 of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, thanks to a goal from Julian Alvarez in the first half.

Lionel Messi is back in the fold for Argentina this week as the reigning world champions, who have already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, return to action against Chile.

Colombia are aiming to end their slump in style on Tuesday night against the leaders of the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying table, Argentina.

While Argentina’s path to the World Cup seems secure, Chile is hanging by a thread. Sitting last in the table with only 10 points, La Roja needs nothing less than a win to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Argentina is showing signs of economic recovery, but growing unrest over austerity measures and cuts to healthcare, education and pensions continues to fuel tensions nationwide.

Chile predicted lineup vs Argentina (4-3-3): Cortés; Loyola, Maripán, Sierralta, Suazo; Vidal, Echeverria, Pizarro; Osorio, Sanchez, Valdés. Lionel Messi is back with the national team after a seventh-month layoff, and the all-time great currently leads the CONMEBOL qualifying scoring charts with six goals.

Lionel Messi played his first match for Argentina since November last week, though his absence has not stopped the team in their tracks.