The world champion encountered no resistance from the Caribbean squad and closed the story in thirty minutes, letting the celebrations carry on.
Argentina enjoyed a flawless week, the first truly immersive visit to the country after the somber return from Qatar, with five million people lining the streets. The national team returned to the Ezeiza grounds amid fanfare, soaking in affection at every turn, with celebrations and emotional tributes at CONMEBOL headquarters and on the pitch.
If Panama’s substitutes had not been so bold, and even then it would have been a tough task to break the siege, Curaçao never appeared a real obstacle. The small Caribbean side arrived in Santiago del Estero with the dream of facing ten and playing what would likely be the most significant match in its history, though they were already facing a one-sided result within the first half hour.
From a football point of view, the standout moment was the return of Giovani Lo Celso, once Leo’s best partner. He provided two assists from midfield to the captain, reaching not only his one hundredth Albiceleste goal but also a historic one hundred and two. Others who could not attend the World Cup, like Nico González and Enzo Fernández, added their names to the scoreline in the opening half.
The second half unfolded with substitutions, ovations, and minutes for other seasoned champions. A notable moment occurred when the coach granted Ángel Di María a penalty, allowing him to convert, while a historic first within the national team saw Lionel Messi finish the kick. Gonzalo Montiel then added a seventh goal, giving everyone a moment in a week of flawless results that marked a team capable of creating lasting history.
The celebrations continued as plans moved forward, reinforcing the party atmosphere surrounding the team and its supporters.
ARGENTINA – CURACAO, MINUTE BY MINUTE
- The minute-by-minute narrative between the Albiceleste and the Blue Family unfolds with every play.
- ARGENTINE GOAL! The seventh score arrives, the one that seals the title for the captain after a penalty in regular time.
- ARGENTINE GOAL! Messi directs Di María to take the penalty so he can celebrate a goal himself.
- ARGENTINE GOAL! Lo Celso again finds Messi, connecting with the 10 for a third goal from his account.
- ARGENTINE GOAL! The captain’s assist sets up Enzo Fernández with a strike from the right-hand side.
- ARGENTINE GOAL! Another strike from Messi, this time with the left foot, beating the goalkeeper.
- ARGENTINE GOAL! Nico González heads home to extend the lead.
- ARGENTINE GOAL! Messi’s 100th goal arrives on a pass from Lo Celso and a precise touch to the right.
- It’s a moment of disbelief as Lautaro misses a chance, despite being in the clear.
- Argentina envisions a future hosting the World Cup in 2030, a dream taking shape on the pitch.
- And so Curaçao takes its place as a development opponent in this showdown.
- Everything becomes clear for the Albiceleste with Lo Celso and Nico González back in the fold, two players who missed Qatar.
- Good evening and welcome to another GOAL broadcast. Argentina prepares to meet Curaçao on the FIFA date at the Único Madre de Ciudades stadium.
THE TARGET EXAMPLE
HOW TO WATCH LIVE ON TV AND STREAMING
The match between the Albiceleste and the Blue Family will be shown in Argentina on TyC Sports and Public TV. In Colombia and Chile, DirectTV Sports will carry the transmission.
FORMATION
ARGENTINA
Emiliano Martinez; Gonzalo Montiel, German Pezzella, Nicolás Otamendi, Marcos Acuña; Alexis MacAllister, Enzo Fernandez, Giovani Lo Celso; Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez and Nico González. DT: Lionel Scaloni.
CURACAO
Eloy Room; Roshon van Eijma, Juriën Gaari, Sherel Floranus, Rhu-Endly Martina; Brandley Kuwas, Juninho Bacuna, Leandro Bacuna, Kenji Gorre, Vurnon Anita; Rangelo Janga. DT: Remko Bicentini.