Argentina had another successful summer, winning their 16th Copa America. However, when they return to FIFA Days in September, it seems they will have to gradually get used to a new era.
Angel di Maria may have retired after the Copa America, Lionel Messi may not, but injuries are also a sign that his days in La Albiceleste are running out faster.
Coach Lionel Scaloni had to call up a number of players who have never played for the national team, such as Taty Castellanos, Giuliano Simeone and Matías Soule as well as midfielder Ezequiel Fernandez.
Of course, there are still plenty of experienced players in the reigning world champions' squad to try to keep their lead in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in South America.
Argentina lost their last home match 2-0 to Uruguay in November 2023 - their first home defeat in World Cup qualifying since October 2016 (W10 D5).
One of those 10 wins (1-0, March 2017) came against Chile, who are currently eighth in the qualifying standings, a position that would not qualify for the finals. Like Argentina, Chile have no big names, with goalkeeper Claudio Bravo retiring and top scorer Alexis Sanchez absent.
Chile beat Argentina in the Copa America finals of 2015 and 2016, but those days are long gone. La Roja have won just one of their last 18 away games (D5 L12).
Watch Argentina vs Chile live on UNIVERSO, UNIVERSO NOW, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, ViX channels.
