ARGENTINA gave away a two-goal lead and dropped some more points in Colombia in their final World Cup qualifier before the upcoming Copa America.
Match Report
The Albiceleste were hoping to come closer to table toppers Brazil and their hopes were boosted when they scored two goals in just five minutes.
Cristian Romero gave the visitors the lead in the third minute with a thunderous header following a neat cross by Rodrigo de Paul, which marked the young defender’s maiden international goal.
Leandro Paredes doubled Argentina’s lead after eight minutes when he took advantage of some confusion in Colombia’s box and beat David Ospina with a fine finish.
However, disaster struck in the dying minutes of first half when goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez clashed in the air with Yerry Mina.
Martinez fell awkwardly and was unable to continue so the Aston Villa ace was replaced by Agustin Marchesin.
Colombia started strong in the second half and got on the board after 51 minutes when they were awarded a penalty following a careless elbow by Nicolas Otamendi.
Luis Muriel beat Marchesin from the spot with a composed finish and brought the live crowd to life.
Reinaldo Rueda’s men pushed for a winner and finally got it in the fourth minute of stoppage time with Miguel Borja’s header after Juan Cuadrado’s fabulous cross from the right flank.
Marchesin failed to hold on to the ball and wild celebrations erupted all over the stadium as the referee blew his whistle one final time.
Argentina are now second in the table with six points separating them from high flyers Brazil while Colombia occupy fifth place.
Both teams will now have their sights set in the upcoming Copa America as they will both be in action on Monday.
Argentina will take on Chile whereas Colombia are going to lock horns with Ecuador
Line-ups
Colombia XI: Ospina, Zapata, Cuadrado, G. Cuéllar, S. Medina, W. Tesillo, M. Uribe, Lerma, Mina, Sanchez, L. Díaz
Subs: C. Vargas, O. Murillo, E. Cardona, Muriel, S. Pérez, M. Borja, W. Barrios, Borré, Y. Moreno, A. Quintana, C. Cuesta, J. Campaz
Argentina XI: Messi, Otamendi, E. Martinez, Paredes, Acuna, De Paul, Lo Celso, Lautaro, G. Montiel, Romero, N. Gonzalez
Subs: Aguero, Marchesin, Di Maria, Tagliafico, Pezzella, Correa, Musso, Correa, E. Palacios, Foyth, Dominguez, Martinez
GodOfFootball7
1921
Just an appreciation comment for the GOATs. They try their best in all matches and yet get criticized...
Jackson_10
895
Dont worry leo better days are coming..your still my hero.. Messi fans gather here & like this
Sahillimbachiya
783
Starting Otamendi for Argentina is like starting Roberto for Barça , you know gonna either lose or draw the game.
invader_qz
609
If unlucky had any other name it would be LEO MESSI'S ARGENTINE CAREER
pulkit10
587
referee to all players in the match[Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
cristiano_blitzer_7
565
Its Ok Leo even if u didnt score u r still a legend.....come back better next time❤️
Brightberry
543
Argentina after going 2-0 Up
danriwbik
474
Barca fans looking for Messi 😅🤣😂
Honor7
439
Unfortunately I couldn't score because there was no penalty for me today
sah_sannidhya
355
Brazil is always filled with talents . Undoubtedly the best Latin American football country .
Brightberry
198
Messi in Barcelona vs Messi in Argentina.
BlackPal
135
Very Very Bad Performance By Messi In international , But Don't worry Messi fan all Football didn't write like this Messi's struggle Continue In International level He can only score in Laliga 😂😂😂🤣
ZeeshanAwan
119
Suarez to Messi I will not Score Today, we are freinds so don't disappoint me I hope you understand what I mean
Pannas
113
if bottling is an art messi is the picasso of it
cristiano_blitzer_7
11
Dont worry leo better days are coming..your still my hero.. Messi fans gather here & like this
[image]
its ok bro..he is still a legend....not everyone can score everytime
Dacalprstu
8
Dont worry leo better days are coming..your still my hero.. Messi fans gather here & like this
[image]
I want him to score it's been two years he hasn't scored for Argentina in open play