Lionel Messi scored from a penalty in the first half, but Argentina settled for a 1-1 draw against visiting Chile in the South American qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, held early Friday. Messi successfully converted the penalty midway through the first half after a foul by Guillermo Maripan on Lautaro Martinez. Alexis Sánchez equalized in the 37th minute after an assist from Gary Medel. Claudio Bravo, Chile's goalkeeper, saved a free kick from Messi to maintain the draw at the end of the first half.
This match, held in Santiago del Estero, was Argentina's first official game since November, and both teams delivered a modest performance. Argentina pressed as time passed, but Chile held firm even in the absence of Arturo Vidal due to a COVID-19 infection. Argentina maintained its unbeaten home record against Chile for 35 consecutive matches and has not lost in its last 12 matches since losing to Brazil in the Copa America semifinals in 2019.
Argentina is currently in second place in the qualifiers for the tournament in Qatar with 11 points from five matches, just one point behind Brazil, which plays against Ecuador today. Chile is in sixth place with five points from five matches.
