A Thiago Almada late goal saved Argentina, forcing a draw against Colombia in a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier with Lionel Messi starting.
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ALMADA LATE GOAL SAVES LA ALBICELESTE, REMAINS UNBEATEN IN QUAIFIERS
An Almada late goal saved the La Albiceleste from defeat, as Argentina’s 1-1 draw on Tuesday happened in front of 85,018 fans at the Estadio Mas Monumental in Buenos Aires.
Furthermore, the 24-year-old midfielder scored the late equalizer on an Exequiel Palacios pass in the 81st minute, helping Argentina to stay unbeaten after five-straight matches.
Moreover, Almada got the La Albiceleste to salvage a point against the visitors despite playing with just 10 men.
Argentine Midfielder Enzo Fernandez was sent off with a red card after he accidentally struck Kevin Castano in the 70th minute.
The La Albiceleste still played hard despite already qualified for the World Cup.
The World Cup be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
SCALONI CONFIRMS MESSI START BUT WAS REPLACED LATER, WENT SCORELESS
Manager Luis Scaloni confirmed Messi will start despite recovering from an injury.
Furthermore, the 47-year-old manager opted to start his veteran superstar to please the hometown crowd.
Moreover, it was his first match for Argentina this year before he was substituted three minutes before Almada scored the equalizer.
“Tomorrow (Tuesday), Leo Messi will start,” the 47-year-old manager wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
“Let’s hope the fans enjoy watching him – and the team,” he added.
MESSI TO RETURN TO INTER MIAMI; DIAZ’S OPENING GOAL WENT FOR NAUGHT FOR COLOMBIA
Expect Messi to return to Inter Miami on Wednesday in preparation for the FIFA Club World Cup.
Furthermore, the 37-year-old superstar is expected to play for the Major League Soccer squad in its Club World Cup opener against Egyptian side Al Ahly on Saturday.
Moreover, Inter Miami will also face FC Porto of Portugal on June 19 in Atlanta.
Meanwhile, it was a wasted opportunity for Colombia to come close to World Cup qualification, as they remained in sixth place with 22 points.
Liverpool star Luis Diaz opened the match with an impressive goal for Colombia in the 24th minute.
However, Almada had other plan and Argentina was not to be denied of a draw.
