Chile vs Argentina hoy: horarios, canales y cómo ver en vivo el duelo decisivo de Copa América 2024 (Chile vs Argentina Today: Kick-off Times, Channels & How to Watch the Decisive Copa América 2024 Clash Live)

SANTIAGO, Chile – Argentina tightened its grip on CONMEBOL’s 2026 World Cup qualifying race on Thursday night, edging host Chile 1-0 at a raucous Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos. Julian Álvarez, rewarded with a rare start by coach Lionel Scaloni, broke the deadlock on 28 minutes when he snapped up a loose ball in the six-yard box and whipped a low shot past Claudio Bravo. The Manchester City striker’s fourth goal of the campaign keeps the Albiceleste unbeaten and momentarily moves them three points clear at the summit of the South American table. Lionel Messi, who had been nursing muscle fatigue, entered to thunderous applause in the 63rd minute. His introduction settled Argentina’s rhythm, helping the visitors weather a late Chile onslaught led by Alexis Sánchez and Ben Brereton Díaz. La Roja twice rattled Emiliano Martínez’s crossbar—first through Víctor Dávila’s curling free-kick, then via a long-range rocket from Erick Pulgar—but could not find an equaliser. Key stats and talking points • Argentina extend their qualifying streak to 15 matches without defeat, conceding just twice in that span. • Chile remain stuck on eight points after nine matchdays and may need a result next week against Uruguay to stay in the automatic-berth conversation. • Messi has now appeared in 63 World Cup qualifiers, more than any other South American outfield player. • Scaloni opted for a 4-3-3 with Enzo Fernández anchoring midfield; Ricardo Gareca countered by pairing Sánchez with Brereton Díaz up front in a 4-4-2. What it means for the standings With the win, Argentina climb to 23 points, three ahead of Brazil and five clear of Ecuador. The top six CONMEBOL sides qualify directly for the 48-team World Cup, while seventh place heads to an intercontinental playoff. Chile sit seventh on goal difference, level on points with Paraguay. Upcoming fixtures • Argentina vs. Peru – Tuesday, June 10, Estadio Monumental, Buenos Aires • Chile at Uruguay – Wednesday, June 11, Estadio Centenario, Montevideo How to watch the next matches Fans in the United States can stream Argentina-Peru live on FuboTV and Fanatiz, while Chile-Uruguay will air on Telemundo Deportes and ViX+. Coverage in the UK is available via Premier Sports; viewers in India can follow on JioCinema and the Sports18 network. Bottom line A clinical finish from Álvarez and the calming presence of Messi were enough to silence nearly 50,000 home supporters and keep Argentina’s perfect qualifying run alive. Chile fought bravely but left frustrated, knowing their path to North America 2026 just became steeper.