Messi Shines as Argentina Draws Colombia, Eyes Club World Cup

Messi Returns to Argentina as Almada Rescues a Draw vs Colombia | Focus Shifts to Club World Cup

Lionel Messi’s long-awaited return to Argentina for a home match was filled with drama, challenges, and a late equalizer that salvaged national pride. Despite Colombia taking an early lead, Argentina fought back to secure a 1-1 draw, thanks to a brilliant goal by Thiago Almada.

Here’s a complete breakdown of the match and what lies ahead for Messi and Argentina:

1. Thiago Almada Saves the Day

• Former MLS star Thiago Almada scored the game-tying goal in the 81st minute.
• Almada’s strike came just three minutes after Messi was substituted off the pitch.
• It was a composed finish after dribbling past two defenders and firing into the net.

2. Messi’s Return Ends Without Injury

• Messi started the match – his first on home soil this year.
• He faced several rough tackles and hit the ground multiple times but left the match in the 78th minute uninjured.
• The substitution was likely precautionary ahead of Inter Miami’s Club World Cup campaign.

3. Colombia Strikes First

• Liverpool’s Luis Díaz opened the scoring in the 24th minute with a fantastic individual effort.

He weaved past Argentina’s defense and slotted the ball home with precision.

4. Argentina Goes Down to 10 Men

• In the 70th minute, Enzo Fernández received a red card for a high boot that struck Kevin Castaño in the head.
• Despite being one man down, Argentina showed resilience to find an equalizer.

5. Messi Shifts Focus to Club World Cup

• Messi is expected to return to South Florida on Wednesday.
• He will join Inter Miami for training on Thursday and Friday.
• Inter Miami faces Egyptian side Al Ahly in the Club World Cup opener on Saturday at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami.

6. Messi’s National Team Stint Before Club Duty

• In this international window, Messi did not score in either of the two matches.
• Argentina previously defeated Chile 1-0 before drawing with Colombia.
• Messi’s reunion with teammates marked his first national appearance of 2025 after missing March games due to injury.

7. Colombia and Argentina: A Growing Rivalry

• The last major encounter between the two was the Copa America 2024 final, where Argentina won 1-0.
• Colombia had beaten Argentina 2-1 in a September 2024 rematch when Messi was absent due to injury.

8. Argentina’s Recent Track Record

• Argentina has already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
• The team has only three losses in their last 36 matches and five in their last 74.
• Notable defeats include:
  • 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia (World Cup 2022 opener)
  • 2-0 vs Uruguay (Nov 2023)
  • 2-1 vs Colombia (Sept 2024)
  • 2-1 vs Paraguay (Nov 2023)
  • 2-0 vs Brazil (2019 Copa America semifinal)

9. Will Messi Play in the 2026 World Cup?

• While Argentina is through to the tournament, Messi has not yet confirmed if he will participate.
• Fans worldwide continue to wait for a decision as his international future remains uncertain.

Messi’s return to Argentina ended with a result that keeps morale high and allows him to now concentrate on a new challenge: leading Inter Miami to make a mark in the Club World Cup.

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