Argentina and Colombia got off to winning starts on a tense opening night of CONMEBOL qualifiers for FIFA World Cup 26™.

Goals were at a premium in all three fiercely-contested matches, with Rafael Santos Borre and Lionel Messi the only players to find the net. The Albiceleste talisman’s goal was his 29th in World Cup qualifying, taking him level with the continental record set by former Barcelona team-mate Luis Suarez.

Peru, meanwhile, emerged from Paraguay with a hard-fought draw despite playing most of the match with 10 men.