Colombia maintained their unbeaten start to the Conmebol FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers with a 2-1 victory over Argentina in Barranquilla on Tuesday.
Argentina played without their captain Lionel Messi, who is still recovering from an ankle injury sustained in the Copa America 2024 final against Colombia.
In a match marked by physical play and controversial referee decisions, Nestor Lorenzo’s team emerged victorious and remains unbeaten in the South American qualifiers.
Despite the loss, Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni has now matched Cesar Luis Menotti and Carlos Bilardo with 79 matches in charge of the national team. Guillermo Stábile is the only coach with more matches, having led the team in 124 games over two terms and winning the Copa America six times.
Colombian captain James Rodriguez scored a stunning shot into the top right corner to put Colombia ahead. Although Colombia had several opportunities to secure the win, including a chance for Jhon Duran that was saved by Emiliano Martinez, they held on for the victory.
This win propelled Colombia to second place in the table with 16 points from eight games, just two points behind leaders Argentina. Colombia will next face Bolivia, while Argentina will play Venezuela away.
