Late Almada strike earns Argentina point against Colombia

Players of Argentina celebrate after scoring during the 2026 FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL Qualifier football match between Argentina and Colombia in Buenos Aires, Argentina, June 10, 2025. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

BUENOS AIRES, June 10 (Xinhua) -- Thiago Almada struck late as Argentina salvaged a 1-1 home draw against Colombia in their FIFA World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.

Liverpool forward Luis Diaz gave the visitors the lead against the run of play when he cut inside from the left wing and skipped past three defenders before coolly firing a shot past Emiliano Martinez.

The host was forced to play the last 25 minutes with 10 men after Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez was shown a straight red card for a dangerous challenge on Kevin Castano.

Despite its numerical disadvantage, Argentina continued to dictate terms and pushed forward in search of an equalizer.

Lyon midfielder Almada put his side on level terms nine minutes from time by receiving Exequiel Palacios' pass and advancing into the box before drilling a low effort into the far corner.

Reigning World Cup champion Argentina, which is already assured of a place at football's showpiece tournament next year, remains top of South America's qualifying group with 35 points, 13 ahead of sixth-placed Colombia.

The top six teams earn direct entry to the World Cup while the seventh-ranked side advances to a playoff.

Argentina will meet Venezuela and Ecuador in its last two qualifiers in September while Colombia will confront Bolivia and Venezuela. ■

Richard Rios's (R) header hits the post during the 2026 FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL Qualifier football match between Argentina and Colombia in Buenos Aires, Argentina, June 10, 2025. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

Giuliano Simenoe (Bottom) of Argentina vies with Richard Rios of Colombia during the 2026 FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL Qualifier football match between Argentina and Colombia in Buenos Aires, Argentina, June 10, 2025. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

James Rodriguez of Colombia passes the ball during the 2026 FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL Qualifier football match between Argentina and Colombia in Buenos Aires, Argentina, June 10, 2025. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

Davinson Sanchez (R) of Colombia goes up for a header with Jefferson Lerma during the 2026 FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL Qualifier football match between Argentina and Colombia in Buenos Aires, Argentina, June 10, 2025. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

Supporters of Argentina are seen before the 2026 FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL Qualifier football match between Argentina and Colombia in Buenos Aires, Argentina, June 10, 2025. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

Julian Alvarez (2nd L) of Argentina shoots during the 2026 FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL Qualifier football match between Argentina and Colombia in Buenos Aires, Argentina, June 10, 2025. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

Colombia's starting lineup poses for a group photo prior to the 2026 FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL Qualifier football match between Argentina and Colombia in Buenos Aires, Argentina, June 10, 2025. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

Colombia's head coach Nestor Lorenzo is seen before the 2026 FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL Qualifier football match between Argentina and Colombia in Buenos Aires, Argentina, June 10, 2025. (Photo by Martin Zabala/Xinhua)

Julian Alvarez (R) of Argentina breaks through during the 2026 FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL Qualifier football match between Argentina and Colombia in Buenos Aires, Argentina, June 10, 2025. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

Julian Alvarez (L) of Argentina vies with Jefferson Lerma of Colombia during the 2026 FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL Qualifier football match between Argentina and Colombia in Buenos Aires, Argentina, June 10, 2025. (Photo by Martin Zabala/Xinhua)

Argentina's head coach Lionel Scaloni is seen before the 2026 FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL Qualifier football match between Argentina and Colombia in Buenos Aires, Argentina, June 10, 2025. (Photo by Martin Zabala/Xinhua)

Argentina's goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez warms up before the 2026 FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL Qualifier football match between Argentina and Colombia in Buenos Aires, Argentina, June 10, 2025. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

Argentina's starting lineup poses for a group photo prior to the 2026 FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL Qualifier football match between Argentina and Colombia in Buenos Aires, Argentina, June 10, 2025. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

Lionel Messi of Argentina is seen during the 2026 FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL Qualifier football match between Argentina and Colombia in Buenos Aires, Argentina, June 10, 2025. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)