Qualifying updates, milestone announcements, friendly match details, and the journey to the 2026 World Cup.
In Argentina's final game of the CONMEBOL qualification group, they were defeated 1-0 by Ecuador in a match that saw two red cards. Despite this loss, Argentina finished the group stage as leaders with a commendable nine-point lead over second-placed Ecuador.
A calf injury sustained by Leo Balerdi meant that he had to be replaced. Marco Senesi who recently signed for Tottenham Hotspurs was called up as the replacement.
Lionel Messi wrote another chapter in football history, scoring his first-ever World Cup hat-trick to power Argentina to a commanding 3-0 victory over Algeria in Group J. After opening the scoring on 17 minutes with an assist from Rodrigo De Paul, Messi doubled the lead on the hour before completing the treble on 76 minutes — set up by substitute Nicolás González. The reigning champions were utterly in control throughout, conceding just 0.32 xG over the 90 minutes.
Argentina topped Group J to qualify for the Round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup.