INTRODUCTION
Lionel Messi owes a debt of gratitude to former Major League Soccer player Thiago Almada for his pivotal role in securing a draw for Argentina against Colombia on Thursday night, which ultimately facilitated Messi’s return to his homeland.
With this result, Messi can now concentrate on his upcing responsibilities with Inter Miami in the FIFA Club World Cup later this week.
Almada, who previously showcased his talents with Atlanta United from 2022 to 2024, netted the equalizing goal in the 81st minute, just moments after Messi was substituted out of the match, marking his first appearance in Argentina this year.
Throughout the game, Messi faced several aggressive challenges from defenders, resulting in him hitting the ground multiple times; however, he managed to exit the match without any apparent injuries.
Anticipating his return to South Florida on Wednesday, Messi is expected to engage in practice sessions with Inter Miami on Thursday and Friday, gearing up for the initial match in the group stage of the Club World Cup.
Messi and Inter Miami are set to kick off the Club World Cup against the Egyptian team Al Ahly on Saturday evening at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
Prior to this tournament, Messi had a brief two-match engagement with the Argentine national team, where he did not find the back of the net; Argentina secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Chile last Thursday.
This tournament marks a significant moment for Messi, as it provides him the opportunity to reconnect and train with his former teammates for the first time this year, following his absence from two matches in March due to injury.
The anticipation surrounding this match is heightened not only by Messi’s presence but also by the chance for him to reestablish his rhythm and synergy with the squad as they embark on this prestigious competition.
Luis Díaz, the standout player from Liverpool, found the back of the net for Colombia in the 24th minute, nearly overshadowing Lionel Messi’s much-anticipated return to the pitch.
This goal marked Colombia’s second victory over the reigning World Cup champions since their encounter in the 2024 Copa America final.
The match took a dramatic turn when Argentina was reduced to ten men, following a red card issued to Enzo Fernandez in the 70th minute.
Fernandez’s dismissal came after an ill-fated attempt to connect with a high ball, during which he inadvertently struck Colombia’s Kevin Castaño on the left side of his forehead.
This incident not only shifted the dynamics of the game but also set the stage for a tense finish as Argentina struggled to maintain their composure and competitive edge.
On July 15, 2024, Argentina secured their second consecutive Copa America title with a narrow 1-0 victory over Colombia.
This triumph marked a significant achievement for the Argentine team, especially considering their previous encounter with Colombia, where they faced a 2-1 defeat on September 10, 2024, a match notable for the absence of Lionel Messi due to an ankle injury.
Looking ahead, Argentina has already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
However, the footballing world is still awaiting an official announcement from Messi regarding his participation in the tournament next year, leaving fans in suspense about the future of one of the sport’s greatest players.
Argentina has three losses since Qatar World Cup win
Argentina has experienced a notable performance in recent matches, suffering only two defeats in their last ten outings. However, a broader perspective reveals that they have recorded three losses in their last 36 games,
a streak that began with their unexpected defeat to Saudi Arabia during the opening match of the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
In total, Argentina has managed to secure victory in 69 of their last 74 matches, with only five losses marring this impressive record.
Among these setbacks, Argentina faced a 2-0 defeat against Brazil in the semifinals of the 2019 Copa America, which was a significant blow to their aspirations.
The team then opened the 2022 World Cup with a surprising 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia on November 22, 2022.
More recently, they encountered a 2-0 loss to Uruguay in a World Cup qualifying match on November 17, 2023.
Additionally, on September 10, they lost 2-1 to Colombia in a rematch of the Copa America final, a match that saw star player Lionel Messi sidelined due to an ankle injury.
Just a few days later, on November 14, 2023, Argentina faced another defeat, this time falling 2-1 to Paraguay in another qualifying match, further highlighting the challenges they have faced in maintaining their dominant form.
Thiago Almada goal: Argentina 1, Colombia 1
In the 81st minute of the match, Thiago Almada showcased his exceptional skill by deftly maneuvering past two Colombian defenders before unleashing a powerful shot with his right foot that found the back of the net, leveling the score.
This pivotal moment occurred just a few minutes after Lionel Messi had exited the game as a substitute, adding to the drama of the match.
Almada’s timely goal not only reignited hope for his team but also highlighted his ability to perform under pressure, demonstrating the depth of talent within the squad.
