When Lionel Messi, the 37‑year‑old talisman of the Argentina national football team, stepped onto the pitch at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on June 10, 2025, all eyes were on his first start in seven months. Coach Lionel Scaloni had already announced the decision, saying, “Leo is going to start. We have no doubts.” The match, part of CONMEBOL’s South American qualifying round for the World Cup 2026, pitted a top‑placed Argentina against a hungry Colombian side desperate for points.
Why This Match Matters
Argentina entered the game with 34 points, already secured a ticket to the 2026 tournament after a historic 4‑1 win over Brazil on March 27, 2025. That victory not only clinched qualification on March 28 but also marked the first time Argentina beat Brazil twice in one qualifying campaign. Colombia, sitting sixth with 22 points, needed all three points to keep a direct‑qualification slot within reach.
Scaloni’s quote, “They’re a very good team—one of the best,” underscored the stakes. Statistics from the last six encounters showed Colombia had won three, drawn two, and lost one against Argentina, but recent form favored the South Americans.
Confirmed Starting XI
The Argentine roster blended experience with emerging talent. In goal, Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa) kept his clean‑sheet streak alive. Full‑backs featured Nahuel Molina (Atalanta) on the right and Facundo Medina (Lens) on the left, the latter replacing the absent Nicolás Tagliafico.
Center‑back duties fell to Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur) and veteran Nicolás Otamendi (Benfica), who returned from suspension after missing the Chile match on June 5.
Midfield was anchored by Rodrigo De Paul (Atlético Madrid) and Leandro Paredes (Juventus), with Enzo Fernández (Chelsea) back from a one‑match suspension.
Up front, the attacking trio comprised Giuliano Simeone (Atlético Madrid) on the right wing, Lionel Messi as the central attacking midfielder, and Thiago Almada (Botafogo) on the left. Leading the line was Julián Álvarez (Manchester City), whose pace has been a nightmare for defenders all season.
What the Numbers Say
- Argentina’s goal difference sits at +12 after 10 matches.
- Messi has contributed 7 goals and 5 assists in the current qualifying cycle.
- Colombia’s top scorer, Luis Diaz, has 4 goals and 3 assists.
- Possession averages: Argentina 58%, Colombia 55% in the last three encounters.
- Average shots on target per game: Argentina 6.2, Colombia 5.8.
These stats suggest a slight edge for the South Americans, but the Colombian coach, Reinaldo Rueda, insists his side will exploit Argentina’s occasional defensive lapses.
Reactions from Both Camps
After the press conference, Scaloni added, “Sometimes statistics don’t reflect what’s really going on. We respect Colombia, but we’re focused on our game plan.” He also hinted at tactical flexibility, noting, “Today we can play the same way with or without Leo. Before, that was more difficult.”
On the Colombian side, Rueda praised his team’s resilience: “We know Argentina’s quality. Our players have trained hard to match that intensity, and we’ll look to strike on the counter.”
Potential Impact on the Qualification Table
If Argentina wins, they solidify their lead and can afford a slip in the September fixtures against Venezuela. A draw would keep them on 35 points—still safe—but would tighten the race for the second direct spot. Colombia, on the other hand, needs three points to close the gap to the fifth‑placed Uruguay, which sits on 24 points.
Should Colombia pull off an upset, they could catapult into fifth place, forcing a playoff scenario for the final World Cup berth.
Looking Ahead: September Fixtures
Scaloni announced a 31‑man squad for the September window, keeping Messi and Álvarez but introducing teenage prospects like Franco Mastantuono (Real Madrid) and Claudio Echeverri (Manchester City). Notably, Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United) was omitted, sparking speculation about fitness.
Argentina will host Venezuela on September 4, 2025, before traveling to face Ecuador in Quito on September 9. Enzo Fernández will sit out both matches due to a two‑game suspension, with Alan Varela (FC Porto) stepping in.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Messi’s return affect Argentina’s chances?
Messi adds creativity and a proven goal record. In the qualifiers he’s tallied seven goals and five assists, making him the team’s biggest offensive catalyst. His presence also lifts morale, especially for younger forwards like Álvarez who thrive on his vision.
What does a win or loss mean for the qualification table?
A win would see Argentina finish the round with 37 points, virtually guaranteeing the top spot. A loss would drop them to 34 points, opening a narrow window for Brazil or Uruguay to challenge for the championship slot. For Colombia, three points would lift them to 25, keeping direct qualification alive.
Who are the key Colombian players to watch?
Luis Diaz, the forward who has already netted four times in the campaign, leads the attack. Midfielder James Ramos provides steel in the middle, while defender Yerry Mora anchors the back line. Their collective experience should test Argentina’s defensive shape.
Why did Scaloni leave Alejandro Garnacho out of the September squad?
Scaloni cited a minor niggle that prevented Garnacho from training at full intensity. The decision also reflects a desire to give minutes to emerging talents like Mastantuono, who performed well in recent under‑23 fixtures.
When is Argentina’s next World Cup qualifier after September?
The next round kicks off in October 2025, with Argentina traveling to Paraguay on October 13 and then hosting Uruguay on October 18. Those matches will be decisive for the final direct‑qualification slots.
