Argentina have once again proven why they’re the reigning world champions and back-to-back Copa America winners. Despite being down to 10 men and without Lionel Messi on the field, the hosts found the equalizer against Colombia thanks to Thiago Almada.
The Olympique Lyon sensation, who gained coach Lionel Scaloni’s trust to play from the get-go alongside Julian Alvarez and Messi up front, made things level 81 minutes into the game in Buenos Aires.
11 minutes earlier, Enzo Fernandez saw the red card for a high boot on Kevin Castaño. And even though Argentina were trailing, Scaloni made a bold decision by subbing off Messi at the 78th minute. Thanks to Almada, this won’t be such a big talking point.
Almada once again delivers for Argentina without Messi
This is not the first time Almada comes up clutch for Argentina. Back in March, the former Atlanta United sensation proved the difference for La Albiceleste against Uruguay. Without Messi, who missed that month’s double-fixture due to injury, Almada stepped up and pulled off a fantastic goal from outside the box to give his side all three points in Montevideo.
Flash-forward to June, Almada has once again delivered when it mattered the most. With Argentina losing at home against a familiar foe, Almada made fans forget about the lack of an eleventh player and also about the fact that Messi had been subbed off just minutes earlier.
A growing rivalry between Argentina and Colombia
Even though Argentina managed to beat Colombia when their South American crown was at stake at the 2024 Copa America final, Los Cafeteros have proven to be a tough opponent for the defending world champs.
Argentina needed to go to extra time to win that game, with Lautaro Martinez breaking the deadlock in an evenly matched contest. Eventually, Nestor Lorenzo’s men reminded Scaloni’s what a tough opponent they could be.
In September 2024, Colombia sort of redeemed themselves after the Copa America final with a 2-1 home win in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. They almost gain the upper hand again in Buenos Aires, but Almada saved the day for the hosts.
