Defending World Cup champions Argentina may have been without the injured Lionel Messi, but they played Brazil off the park just the same in Tuesday night’s 2026 World Cup qualifying match at the Monumental in Buenos Aires, winning by an historic 4-1 scoreline. It’s the first time they’ve scored four against Brazil since 1959 and the first time ever that Brazil conceded four in a World Cup qualifying match. And it really should’ve been twice as many.

The hosts dominated from the off, with Julián Alvarez finding the back of the net inside of five minutes and Enzo Fernández doubling their advantage before the quarter-hour mark with an excellent far post run and finish.

Cuti Romero than had a bit of a Spursy moment and gifted Matheus Cunha his first ever senior Brazil goal, but Argentina did not miss a beat, and would restore their two goal advantage before the half thanks to a wonderful chipped ball from Enzo that Alexis Mac Allister finished off.

Brazil made three changes at the half (though not Estêvão, who would go an unusued substitute), but they did little to stem the tide and Giuliano Simeone (son of Diego) would put the cherry on top with his own first international goal as well midway through the period. His celebration was just a preview of the post-match parties to come, with Argentina thus confirming their spot at next year’s tournament. Brazil are not really in danger of missing out, but they need some serious improvement if they are to challenge for the title.

Like Enzo, Moisés Caicedo also played the full-90 as Ecuador were held to a scoreless draw in Chile. It’s not a great result for La Tri, but they remain second in the table as Uruguay also dropped two points. Kendry Páez was an unused substitute for Ecuador who are now unbeaten in seven straight, having conceded just one goal altogether in those games.