Argentina vs Chile live on June 3, 2021: How to watch this 2022 World Cup qualifier in the USA and 67 other countries

June 3, 2021 By Ali M.

Topics: TV Schedules, Argentina, Chile, FIFA World Cup Qualifying

La Albiceleste will be looking to make it four wins out of five when they return to the pitch for the first time in seven months.

Preview

South American powerhouse Argentina return to action this midweek, taking on Chile in a highly-anticipated 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Thursday. This 8 p.m. ET showdown looks to serve two purposes as it could bring the two-time World Cup champions closer to a spot in Qatar 2022 while acting as a preparatory game for this summer's Copa America tournament.

La Albiceleste haven't been in action in seven months, last taking to the field back in November. That game ended in a victory for Messi and Co, with the continental giants taking on Peru and beating their rivals 2-0 thanks to goals from Martinez and Gonzalez. That result kept Lionel Scolari's side second in the CONMEBOL qualifiers, trailing only first-placed Brazil by two points.

That triumph over Peru was their third win from their first four World Cup qualifiers, having beaten Ecuador and Bolivia courtesy of a one-goal margin while drawing 1-1 at home to Paraguay. Victory over Chile would temporarily see Argentina leapfrog Brazil into the top spot while defeat could result in them dropping down to third as Ecuador are only a point behind.

A loss would not be ideal for La Albiceleste. Copa America is right around the corner, with Argentina set to kick off their tournament on June 14 against, ironically, Chile. A win would give them the confidence to pull off another victory come this summer's tournament, something Messi and Co. could do with after the event was pulled out of their home country and moved to Brazil due to COVID-19. Defeat, on the other hand, would see disappointment and skepticism creep into the squad as they continue their search for a first major international title since 1993.

Chile, meanwhile, have been struggling in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers and will be looking to return to form. La Roja have picked up only four points from the first four games, winning once, drawing once, and losing twice. As a result, they sit in sixth but are only two points behind the fifth and final World Cup spot, meaning it is still too early to predict a downfall.

Reinaldo Rueda's side have conceded several late goals, letting in a stoppage-time winner from Maxi Gomez in the 2-1 loss to Uruguay while also conceding in the 91st minute against Radamel Falcao to draw 2-2 with Colombia and drop points. Then there was the 81st-minute strike from Venezuela's Salomon Rondon that condemned Chile to a 2-1 defeat in their most recent qualifier.

The 2015 Copa America winners have bounced back, beating Bolivia 2-1 in an international friendly earlier this year. However, more is required if La Roja wish to make amends for their failure to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Team news

Argentina: Messi and Lautaro Martinez, fresh off his Serie A title win with Inter Milan, are expected to lead the line while PSG duo Angel Di Maria and Leandro Paredes are also tipped to start. Paulo Dybala, however, will not be available to offer much-needed spark in attack after picking up an injury. Rodrigo De Paul will be vying for a start, as will Juan Foyth after starring in Villarreal's Europa League success.

Chile: Fabian Orellana is out for the visitors while Arturo Vidal has been sidelined after testing positive for COVID-19. Lautaro's Inter Milan team-mate Alexis Sanchez is expected to lead the line for La Roja, with Eduardo Vargas likely to partner him in attack.

Key stats

The last time these two sides met was in an international friendly in 2019 which ended in a goalless draw.
However, Argentina have won each of their last World Cup qualifying clash with Chile.
La Albiceleste are unbeaten in their last 11 matches.
La Roja have picked up only three victories from their last 11 outings.