James Rodríguez scored from the penalty spot to seal Colombia’s 2-1 win over defending World Cup and Copa América champions Argentina on Tuesday in a South American World Cup qualifier.

Injured Argentina star Lionel Messi did not play in Barranquilla in what was the primary match between the groups for the reason that Copa América remaining.

Yerson Mosquera opened the scoring within the twenty fifth minute, however Argentina equalized within the forty eighth when Nico Gonzalez capitalized on a defensive blunder from the Colombians. James’ Sixtieth-minute penalty secured the win on the Metropolitano Stadium.

World Cup champion Argentina lifted the Copa América trophy after a 1-0 additional time victory over Colombia in July.

Colombia, which hadn’t overwhelmed Argentina since 2019, continues to be unbeaten in South American World Cup qualifying.

Argentina leads the round-robin competitors with 18 factors after eight matches, two level away from Colombia.

The highest six groups in South American qualifying will get automated spots on the 2026 World Cup.

Colombia as soon as once more had the 33-year-old Rodríguez to thank after he gave an ideal cross for Mosquera to nod in and opening the scoring. That equalized Carlos Valderrama’s report of 11 assists in South American World Cup qualifying.

A mistake by Rodríguez allowed Argentina to equalize, with Nico González stealing the ball from him and capturing previous goalkeeper Camilo Vargas.

However Rodríguez made amends when he beat Emiliano Martínez, a prolific penalty stopper, and equalized Falcao García’s mark of 13 objectives in World Cup qualifying.

Argentina’s strikers Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez failed to supply as a lot hazard as they do when veteran Messi is there to create alternatives for them.

Data from The Related Press was used on this story.