After enduring five consecutive games without a win, the Colombia national team will face Argentina with the pressure to secure three critical points. Their recent poor results have dropped Colombia to sixth place in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers. Consequently, this position jeopardizes their direct spot to qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Given the urgency, team captain James Rodriguez has made a bold statement sending a message to Lionel Messi‘s team, making their intentions as a team clear.
“It is true that we are not on a good run, but I think it will pass. Argentina are a nice challenge, they are a team that will let us play, they are strong, but we can hurt them,” James Rodriguez said after the game against Peru.
Although the Colombian national team is not in peak form, its clashes with Argentina consistently remain tight. For example, Colombia secured a 2-1 victory in their last encounter, with James Rodriguez leading his team to success. Meanwhile, Argentina have already punched their ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Consequently, they approach this match without the urgency that their rival faces.
Unlike the game against Chile, Lionel Messi will start after deciding to return in Buenos Aires. Coach Lionel Scaloni can also rely on Nicolas Otamendi, Leandro Paredes, Enzo Fernandez, and Nicolas Gonzalez. This bolsters Argentina‘s chances significantly. In contrast, the Colombian national team faces challenges as young striker Jhon Jader Duran left the squad due to a reported back injury.
Lionel Messi of Argentina
Colombian national team pushes forward with bold project despite recent setbacks
Although the results have not gone Colombia’s way, the national team’s project remains one of the most promising in CONMEBOL. The squad features world-class players such as Jefferson Lerma, Daniel Muñoz, and Luis Diaz. With them, Colombia are building a strong foundation for the future. The goal is to create a project that boosts James Rodriguez’s form ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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Even so, head coach Nestor Lorenzo has faced heavy criticism for recent decisions. He excluded Mateo Casierra and Carlos Andres Gomez, two players who could have offered something different. However, the possible inclusion of Yaser Asprilla and Marino Hinestroza add fresh energy to the squad. Moreover, Luis Diaz’s return could give Colombia a much-needed spark. The team must win now to change its momentum.
