Argentina sail to a resounding 3-0 victory over Chile in World Cup qualifier

BUENOS AIRES - Argentina secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Chile at home on Thursday. Second-half goals from Alexis Mac Allister, Julian Alvarez, and Paulo Dybala propelled Argentina to extend their lead at the top of the South American World Cup qualifying standings.

The Copa America champions looked dominant and untroubled by the absence of talismans Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria, who received a tribute at the Monumental stadium after his international retirement.

Argentina opened the scoring three minutes after the break, when Liverpool midfielder Mac Allister sent the ball into the net first-time off a cross from Alvarez, who also got on the scoresheet with a long-range effort in the 84th minute.

Substitute Dybala found the net in stoppage time to seal the victory that left the World Cup winners with 18 points, five clear of second-placed Uruguay who host Paraguay on Friday.

Argentina will play at Colombia in a rematch of the Copa America final on Tuesday, while Chile hosts Bolivia, who beat Venezuela earlier on Thursday.