Argentina cruised to a 3-0 victory over Chile on Thursday, strengthening their chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
Second-half goals from Alexis Mac Allister, Julian Alvarez, and Paulo Dybala secured the win in front of a packed home crowd.
With the victory, Argentina sits atop the South American qualifying table with 18 points, extending their lead to five points over second-placed Uruguay, who face Paraguay on Friday.
The Copa America champions were without captain Lionel Messi, sidelined by an ankle injury sustained during the final in July. He is also expected to miss Argentina’s next qualifier against Colombia on Tuesday.
The match at the Monumental stadium also featured a tribute to Angel Di Maria, marking the winger’s retirement from international football.
Liverpool midfielder Mac Allister broke the deadlock three minutes into the second half, converting a cross from Julian Alvarez. The Atletico Madrid forward then doubled the lead with a long-range strike.
In stoppage time, substitute Paulo Dybala added the third goal, with an assist from Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho.
