Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni celebrated a magnificent year after the Copa America champions qualified for the 2022 World Cup.
Despite a goalless draw at home to already-qualified rivals Brazil, Argentina booked their spot at Qatar 2022 after Colombia, Uruguay and Chile all failed to win in CONMEBOL on Tuesday.
It caps a successful 2021 for two-time world champions Argentina, who ended their 28-year wait for silverware by dethroning Brazil in July s Copa America final.
This was a magnificent year, Scaloni – who matched Alejandro Sabella for the country s second longest undefeated run in CONMEBOL qualifying amid a 13-game streak, said. Winning the Copa, qualifying for the World Cup unbeaten. It was a dream.
We got four points against two very difficult rivals. We all like to win of course but these games help a team to mature. Without a doubt, the balance is positive.
Having qualified so far in advance, in a really difficult qualifying section, is something we should be proud of.
Lionel Messi returned to the line-up but was unable to inspire Argentina, who played out a stalemate with Brazil in San Juan to extend their unbeaten streak to 27 matches across all competitions.
, ¡allá vamos!
La viaja hacia la . ¡ !
— Selección Argentina (@Argentina)
That underwhelming performance left Argentina waiting to discover their World Cup fate, though La Albiceleste only had to wait less than an hour following 10-man Chile s 2-0 loss at home to Ecuador.
Argentina – searching for their first world crown since 1986 – are second in the CONMEBOL standings with five matches remaining, six points behind leaders Brazil and six clear of third-placed Ecuador.
Eliminated in the last-16 stage at Russia 2018, Argentina and Brazil have both played a game less following September s qualifier in Sao Paulo, which was sensationally abandoned after Scaloni s men left the field as Brazilian health officials tried to detain visiting players due to coronavirus regulations.
After his subdued performance, superstar captain Messi – who missed Paris Saint-Germain s two matches prior to the international break – allayed his fitness concerns.
I m fine otherwise I wouldn t have played, Messi said before learning Argentina had qualified after the South American powerhouse made it six games without conceding – their longest streak in qualifying.
I ve been standing for a long time and it s not easy to play a game with as much pace as this one.
Luckily I m fine and I know that little by little I m going to pick up the pace. I hope I can finish the year well.
