Argentina Faces Chile with Bold Lineup and Messi on the Bench
Tonight’s match between Argentina and Chile for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers is not just another stop on the road to the tournament—it's a display of bold decisions and high-stakes ambition. While Argentina has already secured its ticket to the World Cup, the pressure is all on Chile, who desperately needs a win to stay in the race. But what stole headlines before a single ball was kicked? The absence of Lionel Messi from the starting eleven.
Yes, you heard right—Messi starts on the bench. Lionel Scaloni, the mastermind behind Argentina’s recent golden era, has decided to give some of his younger talents a chance on the big stage. With Argentina comfortably leading the South American qualifiers, Scaloni has chosen to experiment and preserve his star player. But fans were stunned, especially those who traveled long distances just to watch Messi play. There was a moment of heartbreak outside the team hotel, where a fan from Colombia asked desperately, “Is Messi playing tonight?” The answer, unfortunately, was no—not from the start.
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Instead, Nico Paz, the Real Madrid prospect and son of former Argentine player Pablo Paz, gets a rare and thrilling opportunity. He’ll partner with World Cup winner Julián Álvarez in attack. The rest of the lineup features Emiliano Martínez in goal; a backline with Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero—who captains the team—Leonardo Balerdi, and Nicolás Tagliafico; a midfield packed with energy and versatility in Giuliano Simeone, Rodrigo De Paul, Exequiel Palacios, and Thiago Almada.
Chile, on the other hand, arrives at this match in crisis. Ricardo Gareca’s team sits near the bottom of the standings with only two wins in 14 matches. The numbers speak for themselves: just nine goals scored, five losses in their last eight qualifiers, and a desperate need to reignite their campaign. Tonight, their lineup includes experienced names like Alexis Sánchez and Arturo Vidal, hoping to inspire something special at the Estadio Nacional in Santiago.
Despite all the noise, Argentina remains composed. They’ve won six out of eight matches against Chile away from home in World Cup qualifying history and are currently the highest-scoring team in the tournament. Scaloni’s gamble might seem risky, but with the depth and talent Argentina possesses, it's also a sign of confidence and forward-thinking.
And Messi? He’s on the bench, yes—but don’t count him out. If the match calls for a spark, you can be sure the greatest of all time will step onto that pitch. Maybe for just a few minutes. Maybe just enough to remind everyone why he’s still at the heart of this team.
Whatever happens tonight, this isn’t just a game—it’s a glimpse into the future of Argentina, with one eye still on the past.
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