Stunning Luis Díaz Goal Earns Colombia Vital Point In Argentina
Colombia's forward #07 Luis Diaz runs with the ball during the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American ... More qualifiers football match between Argentina and Colombia at the Mas Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, on June 10, 2025.
Last night Argentina and Colombia shared the spoils in FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifying. A 1-1 draw was confirmed in Buenos Aires after a wonderful individual goal by Luis Díaz and an impressive equaliser by Thiago Almada.
Lionel Messi, who turns 38 later this month, was pulling the strings for Argentina in the first period and had a few glimpses at goal himself. One trademark 'give and go' saw him unleash a strike, wide of the mark, with his right foot. Had it been on the other side that would have been 1-0 to the hosts, but it was refreshing to see Lionel Messi very much on the pace in a top level international game a year out from the World Cup.
Certain slid passes from the likes of Lionel Messi and opponent James Rodriguez gave the night a sense of nostalgia, but in the end both goals came from players primed to have more of an impact in the future.
Deiver Machado of Colombia and Lionel Messi of Argentina battle for the ball during the FIFA World ... More Cup 2026 South American Qualifier match between Argentina and Colombia at Estadio Más Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti on June 10, 2025 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Díaz found his goal after two near misses, as it was third time lucky for the Liverpool winger. 'Lucho' received the ball on the counter attack, on the left flank just inside the Argentina half, before making his way into the box and dancing through four Argentina defenders.
Díaz weaved between the opposition with such calmness and flow, evading the defenders like they were training cones. In the 24th minute he finished the move by slotting the ball into the back of the net and marking an iconic away goal that could be vital for Colombian World Cup hopes. Díaz may not be the most consistent marksman at club level, but for Colombia not only is he proficient; he always seems to go score in the big games.
Luis Diaz of Colombia celebrates with teammates James Rodriguez and Richard Rios after scoring the ... More team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 South American Qualifier match between Argentina and Colombia at Estadio Más Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti on June 10, 2025 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by)
The strike also plays into the hands of Liverpool at a domestic level. If Barcelona are seriously interested in trying to sign Díaz then unfortunately for them his wonderful individual goal will only suggest that the transfer fee might be even higher. Having said that, Liverpool have made it clear they have no intention of selling. You can see why.
Díaz gave the Argentine defence nightmares in the first period and Colombia should perhaps have scored more. Whilst at the other end Julián Alvarez tested the keeper from outside the box with a whipped strike, and could so easily have been in on goal when he just failed to bring down what was a spectacular clipped pass by Rodrigo De Paul.
Argentina's forward #09 Julian Alvarez controls the ball during the 2026 FIFA World Cup South ... More American qualifiers football match between Argentina and Colombia at the Mas Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, on June 10, 2025.
These two teams have built up something of an on-field rivalry as of late. A year ago Argentina needed extra-time to defeat Colombia in the Copa America final and since then Colombia defeated Argentina in World Cup qualifying in Barranquilla.
Last night Chelsea and ex-Benfica and River Plate midfielder Enzo Fernández saw red for a dangerously high boot. Then in the 78th minute Lionel Messi was substituted off but the young legs of Thiago Almada were left on the pitch by manager Lionel Scaloni. What a decision that turned out to be.
After 81 minutes Almada found the back of the net for 10-men Argentina with a fantastic shimmy on the edge of the box and a shot across goal. In the end it would stay 1-1 despite a strong second period from Argentina and a couple of very near misses from Enzo and Nicolás González.
Both sides will be satisfied though. A point for Argentina who are top of the leaderboard in South American qualifying and cannot be caught, and a really crucial point for Colombia to move them four ahead of Venezuela. Meaning just 3 points from their final two qualifiers will guarantee a spot at the FIFA 2026 World Cup next summer.
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA - JUNE 10: Lionel Messi of Argentina greets Luis Diaz of Colombia prior to ... More the FIFA World Cup 2026 South American Qualifier match between Argentina and Colombia at Estadio Más Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti on June 10, 2025 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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