Without Messi… Argentina loses to Colombia in World Cup qualifiers

Heba Press: Rabat

In the absence of star Lionel Messi, the Argentine national team conceded two goals to one against its counterpart, the Colombian national team, in the match that brought them together today, Tuesday, at the “Metropolitan Roberto Melendez” stadium, in the eighth round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Argentina’s line-up was as follows: Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martinez. Backline: Montiel, Romero, Nicolas Otamendi and Lisandro Martinez. Midfield: Rodrigo De Paul, Gonzalez, Enzo Fernández, Giovani Lo Celso. Offensive line: Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez.

Tango’s team leads the South American qualifying standings for the 2026 World Cup with 18 points, after winning six and suffering a second defeat.

The Argentine national team leads the 2026 World Cup qualifying standings, five points ahead of runners-up Uruguay on 13 points, while Colombia is in second place with 16 points.

The Argentine national team extended its lead in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, after beating Chile by three goals to zero, in the match that took place at the Monumental stadium, as part of the seventh day of the competition.

The Tango national team lost its captain and historic star, Lionel Messi, against Colombia in the eighth round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers due to an ankle injury.

The Colombian national team was able to take revenge on its Argentine counterpart, after recently losing the Copa America final to them, with a score of 1-0, in the match held at the “Hard Rock” stadium in Miami, United States of America, after a marathon goalless draw in regulation time, which forced both teams to resort to extra time.