The road to Russia got even trickier for Argentina, the runners-up in the last edition of the World Cup, when they locked horns with Brazil in the CONMEBOL qualifications. La Albiceleste made the trip to the five-time champions with the hopes of resurrecting their campaign, but instead walked away with a 3-0 defeat.
The loss left Messi and Co. eight points adrift the Selecao, who top the standings. The two-time World Cup winner remain in sixth spot, with the top four securing automatic qualification and fifth place heading into the playoffs.
And things won’t get easier, as Argentina’s next opponent is Colombia. However, captain Messi remains positive. The Barcelona superstar insists that victory over Los Cafeteros will set them back on the right track. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner even handed out the prescription for their current crisis: unity.
The 29-year-old told TyC Sports (as per Goal): "Within all the bad things and the s*** we are in, we still depend on ourselves.
"If we defeat Colombia, we get into the fight again - all the teams are near - but it's true we are aware and we know that this is not the way to do things. We have to change a lot to defeat Colombia."
Leo also added: "We need to be strong and get out of this situation. Today we have to be more united than ever. We all want the same thing: to qualify for the World Cup."
Chile, who recently leapfrogged Argentina in the table, drew 0-0 with Colombia. As a result, their lead can be overcome by La Albiceleste.
Match details, result and original broadcast info
Argentina 3 - 0 Colombia
November 15, 2016 6:30pmEstadio San Juan del Bicentenario (San Juan, Provincia de San Juan)This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
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