Argentina will look to increase the margin at the top in the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers as they face Chile in the June 2025 games. Lionel Scaloni following a stumbling end to 2024 has regrouped in the summer international break. Coming from the win over 4-1 Brazil in March 2025, Argentina will steam in with confidence in this crucial clash.
Chile has had a rough few months managing only two wins in their past 10 games. Lionel Scaloni will look to stay on winning terms as the hungry Chilean side still linger for World Cup hopes. Moreover, with Chile’s last victory over Argentina coming in 2016, it’ll be a mountain to climb for Ricardo Gareca’s side.
Argentina faces several challenges. Lionel Messi’s participation remains uncertain, as coach Lionel Scaloni is considering resting him for the upcoming Colombia match due to his workload.
Key players Alexis Mac Allister (injured), Nicolas Gonzalez, Nicolas Otamendi, Enzo Fernández, and Leandro Paredes (suspended) are unavailable, creating opportunities for fringe players like Emiliano Buendía.
Argentina Predicted XI: Emiliano Martínez, Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Germán Pezzella, Nicolás Tagliafico, Rodrigo De Paul, Exequiel Palacios, Valentín Carboni, Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez.
Alexis Sánchez has been recalled from injury and is expected to start, providing a significant boost to their attack. However, they face significant challenges due to key absences. Paulo Díaz (knee), Luciano Cabral (knee), and Eduardo Vargas are all ruled out due to injuries, while Igor Lichnovsky is questionable with an undisclosed issue.
Chile Predicted XI: Claudio Bravo, Mauricio Isla, Matías Catalán, Guillermo Maripán, Gabriel Suazo, Erick Pulgar, Marcelino Núñez, Darío Osorio, Alexis Sánchez, Víctor Dávila, Ben Brereton Díaz.
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has gone against his fellow countrymen Gareca with a record of 4-0 till this point. Having won the last six of the 10 games, Argentina has displayed dominance over Chile in the past few years.
Chile who comes through a rough patch of two victories in the past 10 games will be tested highly by the World Champions. With Messi expected to be back in for the game, Gareca will have more than one problem to deal with over the clash with Argentina.
soccer
