Buenos Aires, June 11 (V7N) — Revenge remained elusive, but Argentina narrowly saved both pride and points with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Colombia in their latest World Cup qualifier at home. Falling behind early, the reigning world champions equalized through a determined strike from Thiago Almada in the second half, in a match filled with drama, tension, and controversy.

The match took a chaotic turn when Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernández was shown a straight red card for a dangerous high boot on Kevin Castaño. The Paraguayan referee did not hesitate in his decision. Despite Fernández’s immediate apology to his former River Plate teammate, the dismissal left Argentina with ten men during a crucial phase of the match.

Adding to the night’s drama, Lionel Messi made his return to the starting XI after sitting out Argentina’s previous matches. Yet it was Colombia’s Luis Díaz who stole the spotlight in Buenos Aires. The Liverpool winger showcased his brilliance by weaving past three defenders on the left flank before finishing past Emiliano Martínez to hand Colombia the lead in the first half.

Lionel Scaloni’s side responded after the break by increasing the attacking tempo, but Colombia’s disciplined defense resisted repeated waves of Argentine attacks. The pressure intensified following Enzo’s red card, and with Messi being substituted just minutes later, fears mounted among the home crowd of a rare home defeat—a record unbroken for nearly a decade.

However, rising star Thiago Almada, currently in red-hot form, came to the rescue. Receiving a throw-in near the edge of the penalty area, Almada showed composure and determination, dancing past defenders before calmly finishing to bring Argentina level.

Statistically, the match reflected the tense balance between the two sides. Argentina registered 10 shots, with only Almada’s effort hitting the net, while Colombia fired 11 shots, forcing Martínez into four vital saves to keep Argentina alive in the contest.

Ultimately, Argentina escaped with a draw on a night that could have easily gone the other way. With World Cup qualifying action resuming on July 16, Scaloni and his players have plenty to reflect upon—especially discipline and finishing—if they are to defend their world title convincingly.

END/MSS/AJ