Argentina were somewhat underperforming against Peru, yet still look poised to qualify for the World Cup. Although Lionel Messi did not play, coach Lionel Scaloni still managed to involve his best players.
Luis Diaz gave Colombia an unexpected lead before Thiago Almada equalised for Argentina. Since defeating Nestor Lorenzo’s Albiceleste side back in September last year, Nestor Lorenzo’s side have struggled.
For fans following the argentina national football team vs colombia national football team lineups, this clash once again highlighted the depth of talent on both sides despite recent inconsistencies.
| Date | Competition | Score | Argentina Starting XI | Colombia Starting XI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 Jun 2025 | WC Qualifiers (Buenos Aires) | 1-1 | Emiliano Martínez; Nahuel Molina; C. Romero; N. Otamendi; Facundo Medina; Rodrigo De Paul; Leandro Paredes; Enzo Fernández; Lionel Messi; Julián Álvarez; Thiago Almada (11v11) | Kevin Mier; Daniel Muñoz; Davinson Sánchez; Jhon Lucumí; Deiver Machado; Kevin Castaño; Jefferson Lerma; Richard Ríos; James Rodríguez; Luis Díaz; Jaminton Campaz (11v11) |
| 1 Feb 2022 | WC Qualifier | 1-0 (Arg) | Emiliano Martínez; G. Montiel; G. Pezzella; Lisandro Martínez; Marcos Acuña; G. Lo Celso; G. Rodríguez; Alejandro Gómez; Á. Di María; Lautaro Martínez; Lucas Ocampos (Reddit) | Camilo Vargas; Stefan Medina; Davinson Sánchez; William Tesillo; Johan Mojica; Juan Cuadrado; Wílmar Barrios; Mateus Uribe; James Rodríguez; Miguel Borja; Luis Díaz (Reddit) |
| 7 Jul 2021 | Copa América Semi-Final (via pens) | 1-1 (Arg on pens) | Emiliano Martínez; Nahuel Molina; G. Pezzella; N. Otamendi; N. Tagliafico; R. De Paul; G. Rodríguez; G. Lo Celso; Lionel Messi; Lautaro Martínez; Nicolás González (Reddit) | David Ospina; Daniel Muñoz; Yerry Mina; Davinson Sánchez; William Tesillo; Juan Cuadrado; Wílmar Barrios; Gustavo Cuéllar; Luis Díaz; Rafael Santos Borré; Duván Zapata (Reddit) |
| 9 Jun 2021 | WC Qualifier | 2-2 | Emiliano Martínez; N. Otamendi; C. Romero; Marcos Acuña; G. Montiel; L. Paredes; G. Lo Celso; R. De Paul; Lautaro Martínez; Nicolás González; Lionel Messi (Reddit) | David Ospina; Davinson Sánchez; Yerry Mina; William Tesillo; Stefan Medina; Gustavo Cuéllar; Jefferson Lerma; Mateus Uribe; Duván Zapata; Luis Díaz; Juan Cuadrado (Reddit) |
| 15 Jun 2019 | Copa América Group Stage | 0-2 (Col) | Franco Armani; N. Otamendi; G. Pezzella; N. Tagliafico; R. Saravia; L. Paredes; G. Rodríguez; Á. Di María; G. Lo Celso; Sergio Agüero; Lionel Messi (Reddit) | David Ospina; Davinson Sánchez; Yerry Mina; William Tesillo; Stefan Medina; Wílmar Barrios; Mateus Uribe; Juan Cuadrado; Radamel Falcao; Luis Muriel; James Rodríguez (Reddit) |
Argentina: Emiliano Martinez
World champions Argentina will seek to extend their home streak when they host Colombia in Tuesday’s matchday 16 match of 2026 World Cup qualifying on Tuesday night. Lionel Scaloni’s side secured their participation by beating Chile 1-0 last week, and sit 10 points clear of Venezuela with three matches left to go in sixth position.
The Argentine coach will likely stick with the starting lineup that defeated Chile, including Lionel Messi (who started as a substitute). Enzo Fernandez, Nicolas Otamendi and Rodrigo De Paul are expected to start alongside Messi in attack, while other players such as Paulo Dybala, Angel Correa or Guido Rodriguez may also start for La Albiceleste.
Nahuel Molina
Nahuel Molina has been an invaluable member of Atleti this season and should remain an essential piece in Lionel Scaloni’s system against Colombia. With his versatile profile and great positioning skills, Nahuel is ideal for Lionel’s tactical approach.
Molina can play both full-back and wing-back positions depending on the matchup, shifting his roles depending on circumstances. He excels at attacking down the right flank; for instance, his low cross led directly to Alexander Sorloth scoring late against Getafe.
He is also a tireless defensive player, setting season-highs for tackles and clearances. While his height may limit him in aerial duels, he often outwits opponents through intelligent positioning and smart decisions.
Cristian Romero
Cristian Romero has long been an integral component of both Tottenham Hotspur and Argentina national teams. He played an instrumental role in their Copa America victory of 2021, keeping a clean sheet during the final. Additionally, he is an indispensable starter in Serie A for Spurs but will miss this match due to a niggling injury.
Colombia Colombia’s team is currently led by Jose Pekerman, who led them to their best ever performance at the 2014 FIFA World Cup before being replaced by Alfio Basile. Their famous yellow shirt with navy trim is often complemented by navy or white shorts and socks; previously they favored wearing red kits; these have since been abandoned as part of their qualification campaign for 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification.
Nicolas Otamendi
Nicolas Otamendi is one of Argentina’s key players. A towering presence at the back, Otamendi has shown incredible athleticism with some spectacular tackles that have drawn gasps from fans in attendance.
Lionel Messi and Otamendi form an incredible partnership and their chemistry was evident during last night’s match against Chile. Both players battled hard for every ball while Otamendi excelled aerially.
Argentina and Colombia share a lengthy rivalry that spans decades, offering many thrilling matches and dramatic moments over time. Their next meeting could come during World Cup qualifying or at 2026 tournament itself; both Argentina’s technical ability and Colombian flair promise more action-packed encounters! This timeline chronicles some major highlights of this fascinating history between these nations.
Facundo Medina
Medina has been sidelined since suffering an ankle injury last week. Being such an adaptable player, he can fill various roles within a back line such as central defender in a 3-5-2 or even left back in a 4-4-2 system.
Colombia will look to end a five-game winless streak when they face Argentina on Tuesday evening, under Nestor Lorenzo’s guidance. Colombia currently lie sixth, three points behind Venezuela, so any big result would give Colombia any hope of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
Fubo will stream this match (with a 7-day free trial). Daniel Villar Pardo is a multilingual journalist and soccer tactical analyst who makes complex sports narratives understandable for global audiences, covering Major League Soccer (MLS), LaLiga, UEFA Champions League qualifiers and FIFA World Cup qualifying tournaments.
Rodrigo De Paul
De Paul was instrumental in Inter Miami’s 2-1 win against Atlas in his debut match for Inter Miami, providing an assist and scoring a goal himself. De Paul kept his teammates involved by connecting passes throughout the match.
Midfielder Lionel Scaloni has been impressed with Messi’s performances for Los Rojiblancos this season and wants him to get the opportunity to join Messi on the pitch at Mas Monumental Stadium.
Nestor Lorenzo will look to end his side’s five-game winless run and move from sixth in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers. Their top players like Jefferson Lerma, James Rodriguez and Daniel Munoz are performing admirably; however, without an established goal scorer on board they could struggle against Argentina.
Enzo Fernandez
Enzo Fernandez has featured in all three World Cup qualifying matches so far for Argentina. Known for his skill and play in central areas of the pitch, Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has been called up several times by Argentina since joining Chelsea last season.
Colombia have struggled recently and a win against Argentina could be vital in their bid for automatic qualification. Nestor Lorenzo will be without Jhon Jader Duran but Luis Diaz returns.
Lionel Scaloni has named an impressive squad for Argentina’s national football team head coach Lionel Scaloni has named an impressive squad for their clash. Lionel Messi, Paulo Dybala and Nicolas Otamendi should all feature. However, some may miss due to club commitments or injuries; players could also be rested to ensure freshness for future matches.
Leandro Paredes
Leandro Paredes appears poised to make an impressive comeback for Argentina national team. Living and playing for Rome City FC, Leandro Paredes remains loyal to Boca Juniors but remains pleased with life overall.
Lionel Scaloni will select an impressive lineup against Colombia, with Nicolas Otamendi, Enzo Fernandez, Rodrigo De Paul and Paredes set to return from suspension and begin. Paredes was on the bench in their previous match.
Los Cafeteros still lack balance despite welcoming back key players like Jefferson Lerma, Luis Diaz and James Rodriguez; they appear unable to maintain the momentum that took them all the way to Copa America final in 2024, which leaves their chances for qualifying directly for next World Cup uncertain – much of this depends on how their captain performs.
Thiago Almada
Almada made an immediate impression upon Lionel Scaloni during his brief World Cup appearance of six minutes; replacing Alexis Mac Allister late in Argentina’s group-clinching 2-0 win against Poland to help seal it 2-0 and could make his starting debut against Nigeria on Tuesday.
He grew up in Ciudadela, one of Buenos Aires’s poorest areas. To survive financially, his family sold fruits and vegetables from their small stall in order to cover expenses.
He joined Botafogo in 2024 and played an integral part in helping them win both the Brazilian Championship and Copa Libertadores, becoming the first Major League Soccer (MLS) player ever to accomplish such a feat. Since moving to Atlanta this winter for a reported $16 million fee, he has contributed six goals during his first season playing for Five Stripes; becoming an impressive force within this team.
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi will play an essential role for Argentina when they take on Colombia in World Cup qualifying on Tuesday at Estadio Monumental. As Barcelona forward, Messi will look to add even more goals to his country’s World Cup tally.
Colombia will enter this game determined to end their five-game winless streak in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Nestor Lorenzo’s side have fallen down the table to sixth spot, meaning one loss could prevent them from making an attempt at finishing in the top four.
Julian Alvarez scored Argentina’s lone goal against Chile last week in their 1-0 victory, and they will hope to keep up their momentum going into next week’s qualifiers against Japan. Lionel Messi should return to starting lineup after coming off the bench; currently leading in terms of goalscoring with six strikes already scored!
