Following a qualifying loss to Colombia and a 1-1 draw with Venezuela last week, albeit on a heavily waterlogged pitch, Argentina found themselves in the unusual position of going two games without a win, after an incredible run of form dating back to their 2022 World Cup triumph.

Any worries were put to rest yesterday night, though, when they defeated Bolivia 6-0 in Buenos Aires to keep their World Cup aspirations on course and preserve a three-point advantage at the top of the table.Argentina switched to a three-man midfield for the entire 90 minutes, with Fernandez playing a deep role. However, captain Lionel Messi, who had returned to the national team after an injury, stole the show with three goals and two assists.

After goals from Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez just before halftime, Messi’s first goal put the Albiceleste ahead three goals at the half. From then on, they were trouble-free as Thiago Almada added his name to the scoreboard and, in the dying moments, Messi completed his hat-trick, his 10th for his nation and an equal to Cristiano Ronaldo’s all-time record.

In their previous qualifier, Ecuador drew 0-0 with Paraguay as well, but they were unable to improve on that outcome this time. However, this goalless draw away against a Uruguayan team that is chasing the leaders was an important point.Similar to Fernandez, Caicedo played the entire game, and among the replacements was Kendry Paez, who will sign with Chelsea after turning eighteen. In a physical and demanding game, Ecuador managed to hold on for a crucial qualifying point despite Uruguay’s aggressive play at home thanks to a solid defensive display from Caicedo.

With the top six automatically advancing to the following World Cup and the seventh place team going into the intercontinental play-off, Ecuador is still in fifth place. They are ahead of Venezuela in eighth position by two points, and they are only one point ahead of Bolivia in seventh.