Argentina Falls Short Against Colombia as Enzo Fernández Struggles in Messi-less World Cup Qualifier

Messi-less Argentina faced a tough defeat against Colombia in a World Cup Qualifier, with Enzo Fernández struggling and James Rodríguez leading the Cafeteros to victory.

Argentina’s Struggles in the Absence of Lionel Messi

Argentina's World Cup qualifier against Colombia was marked by a lackluster performance, largely influenced by the absence of their talisman, Lionel Messi. The match, held at the Estadio Metropolitano, saw Argentina lose 2-1, unable to replicate the success they found in previous encounters.

Without Messi, the team struggled to find cohesion, especially in the attacking third. The void left by Messi was evident as Argentina’s usual creative spark seemed dim. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni was left to rely on other key players like Enzo Fernández, who, unfortunately, faltered under the spotlight.

James Rodríguez, on the other hand, delivered a masterclass, playing a pivotal role in Colombia's victory. His leadership and composure were evident throughout the match, inspiring the Cafeteros to what was a deserved win. His performance, particularly in set-pieces, reminded fans why he remains a vital part of Colombia's footballing identity.

Enzo Fernández Fails to Step Up

Despite Argentina’s rich talent pool, Enzo Fernández failed to capitalize on the opportunity to make an impact.

A standout midfielder for his club, Fernández’s performance was underwhelming. He appeared out of sync with the rest of the team, contributing little to both defense and attack.

His pivotal role in conceding the penalty further marred his outing. After a lengthy VAR review, Fernández was judged to have fouled Daniel Muñoz inside the box, leading to James Rodríguez’s second goal from the spot.

One Argentine fan commented on Fernández's performance: “He just didn’t rise to the occasion. You can’t afford such mistakes in crucial games.” This sentiment echoed throughout social media, where fans expressed frustration over the midfielder’s missteps in what was an important qualifier.

The Tactical Decisions that Defined the Match

Lionel Scaloni’s tactical setup without Messi has been under scrutiny. Scaloni opted for a more cautious approach, likely aware of Colombia’s attacking threat. However, this strategy backfired as Argentina’s midfield struggled to maintain possession, and their defense was repeatedly exposed. The team lacked balance, with Enzo Fernández and other midfielders failing to assert control in key moments.

Colombia’s well-organized attack, spearheaded by James Rodríguez, exploited Argentina's defensive vulnerabilities. The first goal came from a well-executed corner routine, with Yerson Mosquera rising highest to head home James’ cross. The Argentine defense appeared to fall asleep during set pieces, a recurring issue in recent matches.

While Argentina managed to pull one goal back courtesy of Nicolás González, who finished neatly through the legs of Colombia’s goalkeeper, they failed to sustain pressure. Colombia’s second goal came after Fernández’s foul in the box, which was converted confidently by James. Emi Martínez, Argentina’s goalkeeper, attempted his usual gamesmanship, but it was not enough to distract the Colombian playmaker.

As Scaloni acknowledged in the post-match interview, “We missed our chances and made critical errors at the back. It’s tough to win without Messi, but we have to do better as a team.”

Looking Forward: Argentina's Path to Recovery

Argentina’s loss against Colombia raises questions about their future without Messi. While they remain in a strong position to qualify for the World Cup, this defeat exposes weaknesses in their squad depth and reliance on their superstar. Scaloni must find solutions, especially in midfield, where players like Fernández are expected to take on leadership roles but are struggling to perform under pressure.

Enzo Fernández’s performance will undoubtedly be a focal point in the analysis, but the blame cannot fall solely on one player. Argentina’s entire setup appeared disjointed, and without Messi to drive the team forward, they looked out of ideas. The return of Messi from injury will certainly bolster their chances, but it is imperative that Argentina learns to cope without their main man.

Colombia, meanwhile, can celebrate a well-deserved victory. James Rodríguez’s resurgence is a positive sign for a team looking to solidify their World Cup qualification campaign. His performance against Argentina demonstrated that he still has plenty to offer at the highest level, and his leadership will be key in the upcoming fixtures.
As Argentina regroups, the question remains: Can this team rise to the occasion without Messi, or will they continue to struggle in his absence?

Conclusion

Argentina’s 2-1 defeat to Colombia serves as a wake-up call. Without Lionel Messi, they seem vulnerable, lacking the spark and leadership needed to navigate difficult matches. Enzo Fernández, who was expected to step up, fell short, leaving Argentina searching for answers. Colombia, led by a brilliant James Rodríguez, took full advantage of Argentina’s weaknesses, securing a vital win in their World Cup qualifying campaign.
Argentina will need to reassess and find ways to cope without Messi, or their path to World Cup glory could be more difficult than anticipated.