Messi-less yet merciless

Defending champions Argentina celebrated throughout Tuesday as the team secured its place at the 2026 World Cup hours before an historic 4-1 win over arch-rival Brazil.

Bolivia’s failure to beat Uruguay meant Argentina had enough cushion in South American qualifying to secure one of the continent’s six direct spots for the 48-team World Cup next year.

Argentina then made sure its fans celebrated long into the night by duly dispatching Brazil 4-1, their worst defeat in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers.
That the victory was achieved without Lionel Messi, who is injured, made the achievement even more remarkable. 

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La Albiceleste scored their first two goals in opening 12 minutes of play, both thanks to accurate passing and some clumsy Brazilian defending. Julian Alvarez netted the first in the 4th minute, shooting between the legs of goalkeeper Bento from close range.

Argentina scored again eight minutes later via Enzo Fernández, who directed a low cross by Gonzalo Molina into the back of the net.

Brazil got one back via Matheus Cunha in the 26th after a mistake by defender Cristian Romero, who lost the ball on the edge of the box. However, their joy was shortlived as Alexis Mac Allister scored to make it 3-1 to Argentina.

The demolition was complete after Giuliano Simeone scored in the 71st minute after four Brazilian defenders failed to block a low cross.

“We humbly did our job and played a great game. We gave them [the fans] a show. It was a historic result, winning 4-1 makes us really proud,” said stiker Alvarez.

The Atletico Madrid forward also replied to reporters in jest that if Lionel Messi was present, the scoreline could have been more drastic.

“Maybe with Leo Messi on the pitch we might have scored 2 or 3 more goals,” he said.

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