Líder y flamante bicampeón continental, Argentina received a Chilean Cabizbajo en eliminatorias

BUENOS AIRES (AP) — After adding a new title to its showcase, Argentina focused on its upcoming mission: heading to Chile ahead of the 2026 Copa Mundial.

The duel winner of the Copa América and the leader of the South American eliminators received the games in the Monumental Stadium of Buenos Aires to a selected Chilean player in charge of the classification games, who completed his battle to unite it with one of the two boletos In the next world a hope will arise.

“We met in an indescribable position that was to be read, but they had only been there since September 2019, I had changed with the team, with time,” the Argentine businessman Lionel Scaloni analyzed the militias in a press conference.

“I intend to reach the level where the team is on the line and faces the parties of this double level of the best maneuvers,” he said.

The Albiceleste, who participated with 15 games on the board, had to start with the Australians of the two most unbalanced in the succession of titles that came in 2021 with the Copa América and then with the Finalissima and the Mundial in 2022 and this year bicampeonato continental.

Captain Lionel Messi, 37, suffered a ligament injury in the Copa América final and was dismissed in the Copa América final. Extremo Ángel Di María withdrew from the selection and left the monumental stadium alone for a home game.

“It’s extraño que no estén. “They are not there yet,” said the injured Julián Álvarez, who was suitable for filling two vacant positions in the offensive. “No sé cuándo fue la última vez (que se ausentaron Messi y Di María), but tenemos que adaptarnos.”

The last time we were here was in 2013.

The other title lost by Nicolás Tagliafico alongside the judge was also withdrawn from the selection by Franco Armani, who supported him.

Chile is eight months old and is eliminated in the first quarter of the Copa América. I did not expect the important pillars of the Golden Generation that revolutionized Chilean football about two decades ago, when the Argentine entrepreneur Ricardo Gareca carried out the renovation of the plant in depth.

Gary Medel, Arturo Vidal and Alexis Sánchez have been guests on the Roja jersey since 2005. The first decision of Gareca and the remainder of the injury. At the same time, the historical bearer Claudio Bravo announced that he announced his retirement from professional football one day.

“I prefer that Messi is not,” admitted “Tigre” Gareca. “I know Argentina well. The value you have is important and you have the ability to solve problems. No, it is not Leo, we do not know that he will hit us.”

They last competed in the last Copa América phase and beat the Albiceleste 1-0 against Lautaro Martínez just two minutes into the final.

“It’s an equipment in which you play well with the football and its player has a hard time playing with the football (as rivals).” It’s a moment of change that is positive. I think it’s best for Ricardo. “Iradia calmidad,” said Scaloni. “(Chile) always has a difficult and safe equipment for us.”

Scaloni did not confirm the team when he sent the captain to the center of Messi.

A likely formation in series with Emiliano Martínez, Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez or Nicolás Otamendi, Marcos Acuña, Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes or Enzo Fernández; Nicolás González, Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez.

Gabriel Arias, Mauricio Isla, Guillermo Maripán, Paulo Díaz, Eugenio Mena, Erick Pulgar, Rodrigo Echeverría, Carlos Palacios, Victor Dávila, Ben Brereton and Darío Osorio played in the Roja.

Argentina is just ahead of Colombia in Barranquilla and Chile welcomes Bolivia.

___

The correspondent in Chile, Nayara Batschke, contributed this report.