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Argentina Crushes Brazil Despite Messi’s Absence

Reigning world champions Argentina secured their spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in emphatic fashion, thrashing arch-rivals Brazil 4-1 in Buenos Aires during the South American qualifiers.

Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, and Giuliano Simeone found the net for “La Albiceleste,” who had already confirmed their qualification before kickoff, thanks to Bolivia’s goalless draw with Uruguay.

Argentina has become a nightmare for Brazil, remaining unbeaten against them since their loss in the 2019 Copa América semifinals. Since then, Lionel Messi’s teammates—despite his absence due to injury—have won four times and drawn once, including a 1-0 victory in the first leg at the iconic Maracanã Stadium in November 2023.

Atlético Madrid striker Álvarez opened the scoring just four minutes in, converting a Thiago Almada assist past Al-Nassr’s goalkeeper Bento. Eight minutes later, Brazil’s defense failed to clear a cross, allowing Chelsea midfielder Fernández to slot home from close range.

Brazil found a lifeline in the 26th minute when Tottenham’s Cristian Romero lost possession, allowing Matheus Cunha to steal the ball and fire a low shot past Emiliano Martínez from the edge of the area.

However, Argentina swiftly regained control, extending their lead in the 37th minute through a stunning Mac Allister strike. Almada once again provided the assist, setting up the Liverpool midfielder for a first-time finish inside the box to make it 3-1.

Argentina continued their dominance, sealing the victory in the 71st minute when young winger Giuliano Simeone smashed a powerful shot into the top of the net from a tight angle. This marked the first international goal for the 22-year-old son of Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone.

With 31 points from 14 matches in the CONMEBOL qualifiers, Argentina sits comfortably at the top, 16 points ahead of seventh-placed Venezuela, with only four matches remaining.

Argentina’s head coach Lionel Scaloni, who was also without Lautaro Martínez due to injury, praised his squad’s performance: “This was a collective victory. We played as a team, and that’s why we managed to overpower Brazil.”

Scaloni, who led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title against France in a penalty shootout, added: “I don’t know if this is our greatest victory, but the team needs to know how to respond in different situations. Tonight, the young players delivered an outstanding performance.”

The top six teams from South America qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Argentina becomes the fourth team to qualify through the qualifiers, joining Japan, New Zealand, and Iran.

The 2026 edition will mark Argentina’s 19th appearance at the World Cup since their debut in the inaugural 1930 tournament in Uruguay, where they finished as runners-up.

Argentina has only missed four editions (1938, 1950, 1954, and 1970) and has lifted the trophy three times (1978 as hosts, 1986 in Mexico, and most recently in Qatar 2022).

They have also finished as runners-up three times—first in 1930 and then twice against Germany in 1990 (Italy) and 2014 (Brazil).

Meanwhile, Brazil now sits fourth in the standings with 21 points, level with Uruguay but trailing on goal difference, while staying ahead of Paraguay by the same margin.

Brazil coach Dorival Júnior admitted his side was outclassed: “Our game plan didn’t work from the first minute. I take full responsibility for what happened. Argentina outplayed us and deserved to win.”

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