Thiago Almada scored for Argentina in their 1-1 draw against Colombia with Enzo Fernandez getting a red card.
Almada got his third goal in the South American World Cup qualifiers after a difficult first half. Argentina had the first chance of the game where Lionel Messi and Thiago Almada played a great one-two but Messi’s effort went wide. Colombia had a few chances, particularly down Argentina’s right hand side and would get a goal.
Luis Díaz would dribble down the wing, cut inside and score to give Colombia the 1-0 lead. The first half would end with Colombia ahead.
Lionel Scaloni would make two changes at half time, bringing on Nicolás González and Giuliano Simeone for Rodrigo De Paul and Nahuel Molina for Argentina. Nicolás González would have an effort on goal which was saved by the goalkeeper and the rebound fell to Enzo Fernández but his effort went high.
Argentina were awarded a free kick and Messi’s effort from distance was saved. The rebound fell to Nicolás González but his effort would hit the post.
Minutes later, Enzo Fernández would raise his boot and hit a Colombian player. The referee would give him a red card.
Scaloni would bring on Exequiel Palacios for Lionel Messi and Juan Foyth on for Facundo Medina. Argentina would see more of the ball and get closer to goal.
Thiago Almada would receive the ball on the edge of the penalty area and he would dribble into the area and score to draw Argentina level.
Almada would be substituted out for Leonardo Balerdi towards the end of the game.
THIAGO ALMADA'S GOAL FOR ARGENTINA! 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/YE4XJRJ6H1
— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) June 11, 2025
Since the match against Uruguay in March, the best thing that happened to us is Almada. He has developed into an integral part of the team. If Balerdi plays with this quality couple of more matches, then he would be the 2nd best thing that happened to us. Third best thing – coaching staff now has a clarity that we have big challenges in our full back positions. We do not have a Achraf Hakimi or Nuno Mendes. Tagliafico is brilliant and today we missed him badly. Medina is good defensively but, even after quite a few matches, struggling to connect with the team. Nico as LB might be a better option. Molina’s quality has significantly dropped. Foyth/ Montiel are nowhere close to where Molina was leading up to WC22.
It was a classic game of 2 halves. In the first half, it seems like we approached the game as a glorified friendly, and it all honesty, at this point with qualification guaranteed, it is understandable how some players were not 100% motivated.
In the second half and especially after going a man down, we responded much better. What was strange to me is how big was the gap between players who were pretty bad: Molina, De Paul, Medina, Enzo and players who were excellent: Dibu, Paredes, Nico G and especially Almada. Usually we have a more consistent performance across the board.
Cuti was left exposed to deal with Diaz and as a result he lost more duels than we are used to seeing from him. Medina is not a solution for the LB, not at all.
Second half felt more like a classic CONMEBOL game, cagey, loud, feisty…
There are some lessons to be learned from this game, let’s see how the coaching staff responds. RB is a problem position for now, LB too to some extent but at least we have some emerging options there.
“Carlos Bilardo was 10x better than Scaloni back in late 80s and early 90s.”
Bilardo (83-90): 77 matches 25 wins!!! 30 draws 22!!! defeats 93!!! goals scored 78 goals conceded
Scaloni (18-): 85 matches 59 wins!!! 18 draws 8!!! defeats 185!!! goals scored 55 goals conceded.
*penalty shootout is a draw
The two is simply not comparable.
It was a perfect match practise we needed. Scaloni is in the right path. We wont win every matches. We can only get better from here. The track record of this forum so far proved everytiing that was said here actually came wrong and Scaloni always came off right in the end. So I would only trust Scaloni. Full backs are a concern yes but I believe Scaloni will fix this problem too.
Scaloni wont use defensively vulnerable, small side backs (Barco, Bernabei) Argentina still the shortest team itw without them too. Messi 169, Julian 170, Almada 171 imagine another two 170 cm full backs. Messi Almada Julian trio will hardly work together maybe 3-5-2 could be the solution: Emi—Lisandro/Medina—Otamendi/Balerdi—Romero/Foyth/Lomonaco———-Tagliafico (defensive)/Nico Gonzalez (attacking option) as left full back—3 midfielders (Enzo, Macca, De Paul, Paredes, Lo Celso, Palacios, Nico Paz)—Molina (defensive) Simeone (attacking option)———–Julian/Lautaro—Almada/Messi. If not then Scaloni will use the 4,5 midfielder formation with stepping back Messi/Almada and 4 midfielders like vs Croatia or vs Brazil to compensate the lack of world class wingers with dozens of IQ.
Not true, Tagliafico and Acuna are both in the 5’7-5’8 range. Also Julian is listed as 5’9.
Argentina might not be the tallest team around but height wasn’t much of an issue in Qater (apart from the latter stages of the match against the Dutch) because the albicelestes rely mostly on short range passing, through balls and the occasional counter rather than crosses with the only exception being the most recent game against Brazil where 2 goals were scored from crosses but again I think it was the exception not the rule.
The 3-5-2 formation can work but it must be used sparingly (like against France in the final where Argentina overloaded France’s midfield). The problem today was very clear, most of the Colombian attack came from the right flank and that happened for 2 reasons, the first was Luis Diaz and the other was Messi, who (understandably at his age) does nothing off the ball and doesn’t track back hence why Molina was left on his own and why he was so exposed, this was not the case with the previous game where Simeone was constantly tracking back and helping.
Overall this wasn’t a bad match per say, it certainly could’ve been much better but hopefully Scaloni learned some important lessons including the following:
– Don’t replace Balerdi with Otamendi when the former is in his prime and gave a great account of himself in the previous match.
– Don’t use Medina as a LB when he was already tried in that position previously and failed miserably at it.
– Don’t start Messi from the get go, especially against physical teams that won’t sit back. Use him wisely. Quality over quantity.
– Give the youngsters a chance, Almada, Simeone and Paz all started the previous match and that was a good start but today, we saw Otamendi ahead of Balerdi, a makeshift LB (Medina) instead of Barco, a past his prime Paredes ahead of Barranechea and again Messi from the start. Honestly there is no better time than now to experiment a little.
Paredes was simply phenomenal, the world no 1. between the lines passer.
He was indeed but my point stands, this is THE ideal time to be testing the youngsters and not rely on the veterans.
No Julian is 170, Lautaro 174.
You are correct, I stand corrected.
Mamoun, Paredes was amazing yesterday though. Also, Otamendi won more duels than Cuti if I am not mistaken, he did not have a bad game per se. I wonder if we lost due to Molina, De Paul, Enzo underperforming
Yes he was but for how long? Paredes has been so up and down with the NT ever since copa 21 (he was getting outplayed by Guido at times). He was a total no show in Qatar but he played a very important role in the final against Colombia in last year’s copa. Up and down with him! And as I said there are the likes of Perrone and Barrenechea who deserve a shot incase Paredes has another no-show next year.
Certainly, 352 is an option for the WC. Scaloni is reluctant but available players fit for that formation than other.
I think he has called up more CBs mainly due to this. Hopefully they have done some practice together with 3 back line.
If Argentina wins, everyone in this forum will praise Scaloni and his team.
But if things go the other way — a draw or a loss — you all start yelling at Scaloni and his players like novices.
You act like you’re the national team manager from your own couch.
Trust the process. Share suggestions for improvement with a healthy mindset.
Don’t just throw negative feedback while sitting on your couch, eating snacks, and knowing little about football.
Scaloni has already proven himself to the world. He is a well-established coach.
He has talent, luck, and maybe even some spiritual blessings on his side.
Pezzella and Quarta got injured, Romero got his chance.
Armani had COVID, and that’s how Dibu earned his spot.
Same story with Enzo and Almada, who stepped up when Lo Celso and Nico González were out.
Let Scaloni do his job until it’s actually time for change.
Now is not the time to experiment — it’s time to unite. The World Cup is near.
I believe he already has plans for the CB, LB, and RB positions — he’s just waiting for the right moment to make changes.
Even though we’ve already qualified, it’s still not the right time to test things.
Losing now could affect the team’s spirit in the dressing room.
Fullbacks fullbacks fullbacks is the main worrying thing for Argentina. It’s high time Molina steps up now!
Almada had a goal or an assist in last 4 games against Brazil, Uruguay, Chile and Colombia. He has lowkey replacing Di Maria’s role. Would be crucial player for us in next year WC!
Some of you are out of your minds suggesting that Messi should be a bench player moving forward. These are the same people who doubted him before the 2022 World Cup. Even at his current age, Messi is still ten times better than any Argentine midfielder. He should absolutely be the main man again in 2026.
He is a gem that Arg football wannted. His dragging style remembers us a spanish touch. His passing and distribution and dribbling is above 70% i think. ARG. is blessed with talents always.great joy to watch as a fan..
Otamendi, Paredes and Tagliafico are still needed. Today’s game is proving that. I always trust Scaloni and co. They know it better especially in defense.
So much crying after a pointless match LOL so Columbia fighting for their life match cant beat Argentina? Without the red card we could have won. And again pointless friendlies and qualifiers is not Scaloneta level anymore it was in the dark 90/2000s when Argentina always failed when mattered and won when not. Looser mentality. I remember before last Copa about the same crying. Black belt tournament team, perform when matters, no Riquelme generation level choker mentality anymore.
Colombia never win anything when it matter. Our players can actually sleep at their hotel in remaining games, the team would still finished at the top.
Colombia has always been great in first half. Once running out of steem, they’re being outplayed by 10 men Argentina. Dont forget they also lost to 10 men Ecuador.
I keep hearing about otamendi should retire, this guy or that guy should replace him.. listen- SCALONI, SAMUELS, AYALA all of them were defenders. They know a little bit more than us here. If they think, Otamendi is still needed, then he is. Don’t behave as if Ota is playing with Al Hillal, he is playing in a competitive league and is the captain of one of its best teams. He is still also playing champions league football regularly. Who else is there in the team doing that? Romero, Licha, Foyth, Senesi? Balerdi has only played a total of 10 ucl matches. Its not about favoritism, Scaloni simply put OTA on the bench during the last copa.. but after that what happened? Licha spent more time in rehab than on the field in the last 2 seasons. Ota is still a reliable player, a leader in defence with decwnt ball playing and aerial skills. If Licha or Balerdi plays well this season, Ota will still be on the bench. But we need him in the squad. Think with your heads and not your dicks.
But no need of using insults when addressing them!
Yeah I know, I got a little carried away.. I sometimes dont understand the hatred towards certain players and even towards Scaloni.. if we cant enjoy this phase of Argentina, not sure what we are expecting
As i said at end of 1st half, i was confident we will atleast equalize. But to do that with 1 man down is an awesome mental win for the team. Kudos to Scaloni & boyz. Almada is filling the shoes that many of us thought will be taken over by Dybala. Actually i hope he continues in Ligue1 for some more time. That was a razor precision goal that even Messi will be proud off.
Enzo’s was a clear red card & these things can happen. But was very impressed with the way Parades stepped up in last part of game. He is our perfect sub for the last 45mins of any high intensity match. Nico G was also super charged . If a fresh Messi is there in last 30mins, his vision coupled with the flank energy of NicoG & Simeone can create havoc for any defense. I hope Scaloni starts making Messi as a 2nd half player. Almada also blossomed when we moved away from left wing in 1st half to a more central/ floater role towards end.
My expectations from next 2 matches
1) Messi only as 2nd half sub. Almada does his role early in match. More minutes for Paz
2) Balerdi starts over Otamendi.
3) Seriously try proper backups for Tagli & Molina. Medina & Foyth are makeshift & not the right options. Barco, Soler, Giay etc experimentation needed
Otamedi might be selected in 2026 to be feature as a substitute once lisandro Martinez recovers. Its such a shame likes of Kevin lomonaco, Valentin barco didn’t get any minutes. That’s a big concern. Calling buendia didn’t make any sense unless he has a sensational season at Leverkusen.
Enzo’s red card forced the Messi sub! Not because he was bad but with him on the field, we were playing with 9 men. Both the teams finishing was sub par. We missed 3 clear cut chances, Messi with Garnachoish miss in the beginning , followed by Enzo’s mis hit which caused the ball to ricochet instead of hitting the target. And then Nico Gonzalez’s miss on rebound! Nico, however was causing all kinds of trouble after coming in. I also felt the players were quite tired after traveling to South America following a long season in Europe but unlike Qatar where all matches were played in one city, US is huge and travel will affect the team’s fitness!
ALMADA IS A FRAUD!! where are those idiots?? MACALLISTER SHOULD NOT BE IN THE WC22 SQUAD? Where are those idiots now? FOYTH SHOULD START DURING WC22! where are those idiots now?
These are all the gems from the comment section.. its always entertaining to see these stupid comments.. just came here after the match to enjoy these idiotic takes
As I said earlier, Almada cemented his place in the squad. He can play as a forward or a midfielder.
Scaloni should consider testing 3 back line formation. I think we have players to use in that formation. Our main weakness is SB role. Big teams will come and hit us there.
Almada out of the MLS making the argument that he should be a main stay in our first 11. Who would of thought??? Not me to be honest. I think he’s scored 3 in the last 5 or six games. Beyond impressive for an MLS player. Beyond impressive for any MLS player to start for Argentina other than Messi. We didnt play a bad match tho.
Im not a big fan of Medina… Need someone else to fill that role for Tagla.
We are screwed on the flanks! Argentina hasn’t produced any good LB since Tagliafico and after today’s display Medina doesn’t look like he can be a backup LB , let alone a starter. Right now , either Nico Gonzalez has to put in double shift or Licha has to fill in for that role on the left flank! Molina has had a mediocre season under Simeone, once again! Heard, Musso is also heading back to Atlanta after not getting any playing time under Cholo!
I wouldn’t say that, there is Alex Bernabéi who is an excellent LB playing in Brazil but for some odd reason Scaloni refuses to give him a look.
Barco is another option, sure he’s still developing his defensive game but he’s got skill and talent and deserved a few minutes today instead of using Medina, who is a fantastic CB, but Scaloni tried using him as a LB before and against a weaker opposition and he was awful.
Argentina isn’t exactly spoiled for choice when it comes to defensive flanks but there are options and I hope Scaloni and co. take’em.
If you can’t even keep up with current events on the players you shouldn’t be here making comments. Almada plays in France for Lyon. Keep up.
Almada is a great right footed technical player. His issue is he does not express himself when he plays alongside Messi. Perhaps it is still Messi’s star factor that throws him off. Once he learns how to relax and play with Messi not for Messi this team becomes unstoppable. We saw a glimpse of their connection in the first 5 mins but unfortunately Messi’s shot went wide
I honestly thought a few times during the game that it was Messi, his movement and runs🤷. Great goal and effort and hopefully a bright future 🇦🇷💙🤌✊️
how come almada not in a big club yet?
also maybe time to start messi as a super sub?
Otamendi should retire
Tiago almada plays like Iniesta
Need a player like di maria for big match