Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni found out that Lionel Messi requested to be substituted during the closing minutes in their dramatic 1-1 draw with colombia at Estadio Monumental.
The Arena Cup qualifiers clash became full of intensity, emotion, and unexpected moments.
Colombia drew first blood in the 24th minute, thanks to a first-rate solo effort with the aid of Luis Díaz, who weaved through Argentina's defense and discovered the internet with precision. The purpose bowled over the home crowd at the same time as Colombian fans erupted in birthday celebration.
Things went from bad to worse for argentina within the 70th minute when midfielder Enzo Fernández acquired a red card. The Chelsea celebrity struck Kevin Castaño in the face with an excessive boot whilst contesting for the ball, causing a critical collision that required immediate clinical remedy.
With argentina trailing and right down to 10 guys, coach Scaloni made a stunning move, starting off Lionel Messi with just 12 minutes and bringing on Exequiel Palacios. Moments after Messi exited the pitch, Thiago Almada stepped up and equalized with a scientific strike into the bottom nook, making sure argentina salvaged a treasured point.
Publish-suit, Scaloni addressed the sudden substitution of Messi. "Leo wasn't supposed to come off; however, he told me it turned into a higher priority for him to leave the sphere. So, we made the change," Scaloni instructed goal.com. "The most fulfilling component was how we answered even with 10 men and without Messi; the group stored preventing and chasing every ball."
Notwithstanding the draw, argentina stays unbeaten and sits with ease on the top of the CONMEBOL world cup Qualifying desk with 35 points from 16 matches. Their final qualification furnishings are scheduled for September, where they'll face venezuela and Ecuador.
In the meantime, brazil showed their spot in the 2026 FIFA international Cup after defeating Paraguay, persevering with the fierce South American race to North America.
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