Lionel Messi was on target from the penalty spot, as a youthful Argentina held Chile to a 1-1 draw. Elsewhere, Colombia recorded a huge win by beating 2019 Copa America finalists Peru 3-0.
Head coach Lionel Scaloni named a youthful side for Argentina. Juan Foyth, Cristian Romero, and Lucas Martinez Quarta started in defence, while Lautaro Martinez was given the nod in attack alongside Lionel Messi.
On a night when the youngsters impressed, veteran Messi scored Argentina’s only goal of the game from the penalty spot. The six-time Ballon d’Or winner made no mistake to give his team the lead in the 24th minute.
Chile played a much more experienced side in this game, with Alexis Sanchez leading the line. And it was the Internazionale forward who leveled for his national team just twelve minutes after they fell behind. Despite the equalizing goal, Chile were on the back-foot for most of the match as Argentina dominated possession. Claudio Bravo kept the Albiceleste out on several occasions and helped his team to a 1-1 draw.
Argentina remained second in the South American qualification group following their draw. Ecuador can overtake Scaloni’s men into second, should they beat Brazil in their match. Chile, meanwhile, remains seventh in the table.
Elsewhere, Reinaldo Rueda’s Colombia thrashed 2019 Copa America finalists Peru 3-0. Everton centre-back Yerry Mina opened the scoring for Colombia before Peru defender Miguel Trauco was sent off. Midfielder Mateus Uribe doubled Colombia’s lead in the 49th minute, and Luis Diaz added a third six minutes later.
Colombia then saw a red card themselves, with Daniel Munoz receiving his marching orders from the referee. Nevertheless, Rueda’s men held on to win the game and move up to sixth in the table. Colombia will take on Argentina in their next match, while Peru will face high-flying Ecuador.
In the remaining two matches played on Thursday night, Uruguay and Paraguay recorded a 0-0 draw, whereas Venezuela were beaten by Bolivia 3-1 with Marcelo Moreno bagging a brace.
