Almada shines with a great goal and Argentina vs Colombia in a heated duel in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers Por Luís Henrique Costa
7 min de leitura
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In a thrilling clash at the Monumental de Núñez Stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina turned the scoreline around against Colombia in the South American Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, thanks to a stunning goal by Thiago Almada at the 35th minute of the second half. The match, held on the evening of June 10, 2025, remains ongoing, with the Argentine team capitalizing on Lionel Messi’s return to the starting lineup to press the Colombians, who are fighting for a World Cup spot. The game, marked by intense plays, cards, and an expulsion, reflects the historic rivalry between the two teams. Colombia, winless in their last five matches, took the lead with a brilliant goal by Luis Díaz, but Argentina fought back to claim the advantage.
The night began with high expectations from Argentine fans, who packed the stadium to cheer on the team already secured as the Qualifiers’ leader. Colombia, meanwhile, took the field with tactical changes, aiming to reverse their poor run. The match turned dramatic with hard fouls and high-quality plays.
Key moments of the match so far:
- At 23 minutes of the 1st half, Luis Díaz scored a stunning goal for Colombia, dribbling past three defenders.
- At 35 minutes of the 2nd half, Almada equalized with a precise shot inside the box.
- Enzo Fernández’s expulsion at 25 minutes of the 2nd half for a serious foul.
- Multiple saves by Colombian goalkeeper Mier, including a Messi free-kick.
- Tactical substitutions, such as James Rodríguez’s entry for Colombia.
The contest remains open, with Argentina pushing to secure the win and Colombia seeking a draw.
Early pressure and tactical balance
The first half saw a cautious game, with both teams sizing each other up in the opening minutes. Colombia, needing a result, adopted an aggressive stance, while Argentina relied on the creativity of Messi and Almada. At 3 minutes, Messi linked up with Almada and nearly opened the scoring, but the shot went wide. Colombia responded through Luis Díaz, who missed the target at 5 minutes after a solid team move.
The match gained momentum with fouls on both sides. Colombia’s Lerma committed consecutive infractions, while Argentina’s Paredes also made hard tackles. Tensions rose when Molina received a yellow card at 31 minutes for a tactical foul. Despite the chances created, the breakthrough came at 23 minutes, with a moment of brilliance from Luis Díaz, putting Colombia ahead.
Díaz’s stunner shifts the momentum
At 23 minutes of the first half, Colombia stunned the crowd. Kevin Castaño won the ball in the defensive half and played it to Luis Díaz, who surged forward on the left. The Liverpool forward dribbled past Romero, Molina, and Otamendi with ease and finished with precision, scoring a spectacular goal that silenced the Monumental. The play showcased Díaz’s individual brilliance, a key figure in Colombia’s campaign.
The goal momentarily rattled Argentina, who struggled to respond. Julián Álvarez tried to equalize at 21 minutes, but goalkeeper Mier made a spectacular save. Colombia, buoyed by the lead, kept pressing, with wing play and shots from Deiver Machado and Lucumí, though they failed to hit the target. The first half ended with Colombia in front and Argentina seeking adjustments at halftime.
Argentina’s second-half comeback
The second half saw Argentina come out more aggressively. Giuliano Simeone’s introduction at halftime added pace to the attack, while Colombia bolstered their midfield with substitutions. At the first minute, Nico González replaced Molina, strengthening the offensive line. Argentina’s pressure led to clear chances, like Enzo Fernández’s shot at 17 minutes, saved by Mier.
Despite their dominance, Argentina faced a setback at 25 minutes when Enzo Fernández was sent off for a dangerous challenge on Castaño. Down to ten men, Lionel Scaloni’s side had to regroup. Yet, the turnaround came at 35 minutes through Thiago Almada. The forward latched onto a pass in the box, beat his marker, and fired a powerful shot past the Colombian goalkeeper. The goal reignited the crowd and shifted the game’s tempo.
Timeline of key moments
The defining moments of the match up to the 39th minute of the second half include:
- 3’ (1st half): Messi breaks into the box and shoots wide after a one-two with Almada.
- 23’ (1st half): Luis Díaz dribbles three defenders and scores a stunner for Colombia.
- 21’ (1st half): Julián Álvarez fires a strong shot, but Mier makes a great save.
- 25’ (2nd half): Enzo Fernández is sent off for a serious foul on Castaño.
- 35’ (2nd half): Almada scores the go-ahead goal with a precise shot inside the box.
Tension and cards on the pitch
The match was marked by physical play and disciplinary actions. Beyond Fernández’s red card, other players were booked. Argentina’s Paredes received a yellow at 27 minutes of the second half for a midfield foul. For Colombia, Davinson Sánchez and Andrés Román were also cautioned at 26 and 33 minutes, respectively. The infractions reflect the intensity of the clash, with both teams battling fiercely for every ball.
The referee had to intervene multiple times to keep tempers in check. Fouls by Otamendi, Cristian Romero, and Richard Ríos added to the heated atmosphere. Colombia, despite trailing, kept probing for openings, while Argentina tightened their defense to protect the lead.
Substitutions and tactical shifts
Both teams made adjustments throughout the game. For Argentina, Messi’s exit at 32 minutes of the second half, replaced by Palacios, was unexpected but aimed at preserving the star for the final stretch. Foyth also left the field, with Medina coming on to bolster the flank. For Colombia, James Rodríguez’s entry at 27 minutes added experience to the midfield, while Campaz replaced Andrés Román to boost the attack.
The tactical changes reflect contrasting approaches: Argentina sought to balance defense and attack after the red card, while Colombia leaned on big names to chase an equalizer. Colombian coach Néstor Lorenzo took risks by removing Arias and Castaño, injecting more creativity into the offense.
Standout performers
Thiago Almada was Argentina’s standout player so far. Beyond his stunning goal, the forward was heavily involved in attacking moves, creating chances and challenging Colombia’s defense. Lionel Messi, though goalless, was pivotal in midfield, with accurate passes and a free-kick saved by Mier at 22 minutes.
For Colombia, Luis Díaz shone with his goal and constant movement. The forward exploited gaps in Argentina’s defense and was their main attacking threat. Goalkeeper Mier also stood out, making crucial saves to keep Colombia in the game.
Rivalry in focus
Argentina and Colombia share a storied history of intense Qualifiers clashes. Argentina, already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, is using the match to maintain momentum and test squad options. Colombia, fifth with 24 points, needs positive results to secure their spot in the qualification zone. Their five-game winless streak adds pressure on Lorenzo’s team.
The Monumental Stadium, Argentina’s home ground, is a historic stage for major South American duels. The packed crowd created a vibrant atmosphere, rallying the team even after Colombia’s goal. The match, up to the 39th minute of the second half, continues to deliver breathtaking moments.
Match numbers
Partial statistics show a balanced contest. Argentina averages 5.7 shots per game in the Qualifiers, while Colombia records 6.2. Both teams created clear chances, with Argentina hitting the target five times and Colombia three. Corners, averaging 4.1 for Argentina and 4 for Colombia, also highlight the tight battle.
The game continues with Argentina holding the edge, but Colombia remains determined to find an equalizer. The intensity promises more drama until the final whistle.
