Bolivia vs Argentina & Peru vs Brazil: FIFA Qualifiers Highlights

In the exciting 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Argentina and Brazil demonstrated their football skills. Whilst Argentina, even without Messi, demonstrated dominance against Bolivia with a striking 3-0 victory, Brazil, on the other hand, exhibited relentless pressure to secure a narrow yet pivotal win against Peru. This article delves into the highlights and standout performances from these unforgettable matches.

A Stellar Start for Argentina

Even without Lionel Messi in the lineup, Argentina displayed their championship pedigree, securing a 2-0 lead by half-time. Enzo Fernandez offered a masterclass in football, opening the scoring. Nicolas Tagliafico's subsequent strike reinforced Argentina's position. Bolivia's woes were compounded when Ricardo Fernandez's red card left them a man down in the second half. In the absence of Messi, other players stepped up, evidencing the depth of the Argentine squad. The first half's display signalled Argentina's intent to take all three points.

Dominance Maintained

After the interval, Argentina, having the advantage in numbers, fortified their dominance. Bolivia's lacklustre showing was evident, as they struggled to complete even basic passes. The final nail in Bolivia's coffin was hammered in by Nico Gonzalez, sealing a decisive 3-0 victory for the visitors. The Bolivians seemed outpaced and outmanoeuvred, with Argentina seizing every opportunity. The Argentine strategy was clear – maintain pressure and capitalise on errors.

Standout Performances

With Messi absent, Angel Di Maria and Enzo Fernandez stood out, steering Argentina to a hard-earned victory in the challenging terrain of La Paz. Their commanding display provides Argentina with an impeccable start to their World Cup qualifying campaign. Di Maria's dribbling and vision were persistent threats, whilst Fernandez's midfield mastery held Bolivia in check. Both ensured that the gap left by Messi wasn't profoundly felt on the field.