Messi, Argentina concede late, draw against Colombia in World Cup Qualifiers

Lionel Messi played all 90 minutes as Argentina survived a tough match against Colombia to remain unbeaten in their World Cup Qualifying campaign, but a 2-2 draw is hardly what the Albiceleste would see as a good result after a brilliant start.

Argentina exploded out of the gates with two goals in the opening 10 minutes, the first from Romero before Leandro Paredes scored an excellent solo goal to seemingly end the proceedings before they started.

But this Colombia team is talented and full of international stars, with powerful and quick forward players. And the hosts brought the pressure at the end of the first half and completely dominated the second, and Argentina switched to a back five and tried to defend for their lives.

Messi was mostly quiet throughout the match but had a good chance on a free-kick in the second half, but David Ospina made an excellent save. After Luis Muriel scored a penalty to bring Colombia back in the game, the biggest moment came with five minutes to go when Messi found himself in great position just 12 yards from goal, but he fired it straight at Ospina.

Unable to kill the game off, Argentina paid for it in the 93rd minute when Miguel Borja jumped higher than anyone and headed home a cross from the right.

That’s two draws in a row against Chile and Colombia, two of the toughest opponents in the Qualifiers, but Argentina will be disappointed with only two points instead of six. They’re still unbeaten and in second place, but their inability to finish off matches and defensive issues are a concern with the Copa América starting this weekend in Brazil.