Lionel Messi came off the bench as Argentina, the World Cup champions, won 1-0 against Chile in a World Cup qualifying match Thursday night.

Argentina beat Chile 1-0 on Matchday 15 of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, thanks to a goal from Julian Alvarez in the first half.

Chile will miss a third consecutive World Cup after losing 2-0 at Bolivia on Tuesday to remain last in South America's 10-team round-robin competition. Head coach Ricardo Gareca later said he he was standing down after his team’s failure.

Lionel Messi played his first match for Argentina since November last week, though his absence has not stopped the team in their tracks.

Argentina defeated Chile at the National Stadium of Santiago, on the 15th date of the Conmebol Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The team led by Lionel

Argentina is showing signs of economic recovery, but growing unrest over austerity measures and cuts to healthcare, education and pensions continues to fuel tensions nationwide.

La Roja’s hopes of representing next World Cup seems to be over after Argentina's Lionel Messi embraces Franco Mastantuono after winning the 2026 Fifa World Cup South American qualifiers against Chile in Santiago on Thursday. AFP The 17-year-old ...

Brazil has held Ecuador to a 0-0 draw in a South American World Cup qualifying game that marked Carlo Ancelotti’s debut as national team coach.