Argentina Falls to Colombia Without Messi in World Cup 2026 Qualifier

Argentina’s national team fell to Colombia 2-1 in the eighth round of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. The match took place at the "Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez" stadium in Barranquilla.

Yerson Mosquera (25') and James Rodríguez (60', penalty) scored for the victors. Nicolás González (48') found the net for Argentina.

Argentinian forward Lionel Messi missed the national team's September fixtures due to an injury.

Despite the loss, Argentina remains at the top of the qualification table with 18 points, while Colombia, with 16 points, has climbed to second place.

Argentina will play their next qualifier match against Bolivia on October 12, while Colombia will face Chile on the same day.