Table of Contents
Introduction
Argentina and Chile will play in a world cup qualifier this Thursday in Santiago. Even though Argentina has already made it to the 2026 world cup, they will still use this match to test their lineup and get ready to defend their world cup title. Chile, on the other hand, is having a tough time. They are at the bottom of the table, and their chances to get into the world cup are going down. This world cup clash in Santiago will bring a lot of excitement and stories. There will be talks about rivalry and the hope that one team can turn things around.
Key Players to Watch in Argentina’s Lineup
Argentina’s national team has some of the best players in the world. Lionel Messi is their main star and the leader of the group. He still has a big influence on the team, even though he is getting close to retirement. There are also younger players, like Julián Álvarez, who show that Argentina’s future can be good.
In Thursday’s match, both the older players and the new ones will get a chance to stand out on the World Cup stage. Fans want to see how they all work together with manager Lionel Scaloni’s plan. People will watch to see how Argentina and Messi perform this time.
Lionel Messi’s Role and Fitness Update
Lionel Messi’s fitness and what part he will play in Thursday’s match is still up in the air. There is a lot of guessing about it from fans and critics. Manager Lionel Scaloni said he is watching to see how Messi does physically before the game, even though Messi has looked good lately for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
Messi is now 37. He has stayed at a good level, lately scoring seven goals and helping with four more in May. Even though he does not play every single minute, the difference he makes for the team is clear. Manager Lionel Scaloni said Messi might be ready to play, but also explained that they could try new plans because of Messi’s age and how he needs time to get back to his best.
This Thursday’s match means a lot for Messi. It is the first time he will play for Argentina after being away for nearly seven months. No matter if he begins the match or comes on later, Messi’s part in this game reminds everyone how hard Argentina is working to get ready for their World Cup title defense. The team wants to mix what they know from older players like Messi, with some new ideas and talent.
Emerging Talents: Spotlight on Julián Álvarez and Enzo Fernández
Argentina’s future looks good. This is because of some new stars, like Julián Álvarez and Enzo Fernández, joining the national team. After the first season at Atlético Madrid, Álvarez scored three times in the qualifiers. He is finding his place with Argentina. The way he plays and his energy make him a strong choice in attack for the lineup.
Enzo Fernández is doing well too. He gives strength to the midfield and helps the team in different games, even in the Champions League. He brings a smart mix of strong defense and quick attacks, which can help a lot as Argentina gets younger players in its lineup.
This new group shows how manager Lionel Scaloni likes to mix young talent with players who have more experience. When Argentina goes on the field this Thursday, many fans will look at how these young players do. Their play will show if the team, with their manager, is ready for what comes next.
Major Lineup Decisions for Chile
Chile’s manager Ricardo Gareca has many big choices to make for the world cup qualifier on Thursday. The team is now at the bottom of the table, so he has to mix in the right amount of veteran players and new young talent. He also has to think about the best tactics.
Players like Arturo Vidal and Alexis Sánchez will be important. They are leaders that Chile will need in their lineup. But Gareca may add some younger players to give the team more energy. What he picks for his lineup will be key to how Chile does against the strong Argentine team in this world cup match.
Veteran Leaders: Arturo Vidal and Alexis Sánchez
Chile’s golden generation still looks to Arturo Vidal and Alexis Sánchez to lead the squad. Vidal stands out for his strong play and good leadership. He helps control the game in the middle of the pitch. He can also break up Argentina’s attacks and slow their pace. This could be key for Chile in Thursday’s match.
Alexis Sánchez is just as important. He brings skill and a fresh edge to Chile’s lineup up front. His time in big, tough games helps a lot. He knows how to make and take chances to score. Sánchez will try to find spaces in Argentina’s defense and also help younger players.
Both Vidal and Sánchez have played for Chile many times. They helped the team win big games like the Copa America. Now, after a rough time in the last qualifiers, their teamwork and experience are key. They will need to step up in Thursday’s match against Argentina.
Potential Tactical Changes and New Faces
Chile could change the way they play on Thursday. Manager Ricardo Gareca might try new moves and give a chance to players who are not well known yet. The team has not been getting good results in qualifying, so they must do something new to get ahead this time.
| Player Role | Emerging/New Face Candidate |
| Midfield Support | Vicente Pizarro |
| Forward Attack | Alexander Aravena |
| Defensive Boost | Felipe Loyola |
There are young players coming into the chile lineup, like Vicente Pizarro, Alexander Aravena, and Felipe Loyola. These guys could bring good energy and fresh ideas to the team. Gareca could use them together with old pros like Arturo Vidal and Alexis Sánchez. Mixing the fresh faces with experience may work well. Chile really does not have much more to lose now, so changing up the group could lead to something great when they play argentina, who are feeling very ready right now.
Conclusion
As Argentina gets ready to play against Chile, people are getting more excited. Everyone is talking about the key lineups and player performances that can change how this big clash ends. With Lionel Messi leading for Argentina, and Chile counting on their strong and experienced players like Arturo Vidal and Alexis Sánchez, it is clear that this match will show off a lot of talent and smart moves. What the coaches decide will really help to know which team wins. Make sure you stay up-to-date on all the latest about this game, and don’t miss seeing this thrilling Argentina vs. Chile clash live.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Lionel Messi start the match against Chile?
Lionel Messi might not be ready to play in Thursday’s match. The manager, Lionel Scaloni, said he has to check if Messi is fit enough. If Messi does not start, he could still come in later in the game. This can help Argentina because Messi can change the game when he plays.
Who are the likely starting goalkeepers for both teams?
For Thursday’s match, Brayan Cortés will be in goal for Chile. Emiliano Martínez will be the one to play as Argentina’s goalkeeper. They are both top picks for their teams. So, the clash between Chile and Argentina will have good goalkeepers on both sides.
What recent head-to-head results might impact team selections?
Argentina beat Chile 3-0 in September. The goals came from Alexis Mac Allister, Julián Álvarez, and Paulo Dybala. Chile had only one shot on target in the game. This big win may make Scaloni pick a confident lineup for the next match. At the same time, Chile may need to think about how to change their tactics.
Are there any injury concerns or suspensions for either side?
Argentina and Chile will go into Thursday’s match with no big injury problems. Messi is now fine after his earlier issues. The only small thing to watch is how much time he will spend on the field. Both teams want to use their best players and there are no suspensions to worry about.
Where can fans in the United States watch Argentina vs Chile live?
Fans in the United States can watch the Chile vs Argentina match live on TV with sports networks like ESPN and Univision. You can also stream the game on FuboTV or Sling TV. Be sure to check your local listings to see what time and channel the match will be on.