South America’s football power houses Argentina and Brazil lost their respective world cup qualifying games
Argentina lost 2-0 at home to Uruguay, while Luis Diaz inspired Colombia to victory over Brazil on an emotional night as his father watched from the stands after being released by his kidnappers.
The Liverpool forward scored twice in five second-half minutes to complete a surprise Colombia comeback in the 2026 World Cup qualifier in Barranquilla.
He was reunited with his father, Luis Manuel Diaz, on Tuesday after rebels had held him hostage for 12 days.
The 26-year-old pointed to the crowd after his 75th-minute equaliser and television cameras showed his teary-eyed father, wearing a Colombia shirt, celebrating with his arms raised.
Diaz said he had experienced “hard moments” over recent weeks but added: “Life makes you strong and brave and I think that’s football, and not just football but life.
“I’m grateful to my team-mates, to the coaching staff who were always there for me at every moment,” he said.
“And I dedicate the victory to the people, who deserved it.”
Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli had given favourites Brazil a fourth-minute lead before they lost Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr to injury later in the first half.
But Diaz’s quick-fire double secured an important win which lifted hosts Colombia above their opponents and up to third in the South American standings.
It came just two days after he was reunited with his father, who was freed by Colombia’s National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrilla group after being kidnapped in his home town of Barrancas on 28 October.
Elsewhere another Liverpool forward was also the hero as Uruguay beat World Champion Argentina. Darwin Nunez scored as Uruguay ended Argentina’s 14-match winning run going back to the 2022 World Cup.
The Liverpool forward slotted home in the 87th minute after Ronald Araujo had opened the scoring in the 2026 World Cup qualifier in Buenos Aires.
World Cup winners Argentina had not lost since their 2-1 defeat by Saudi Arabia in their first match at the Qatar tournament last year.
It was the first time Messi had failed to score for his country, when playing, since their World Cup group-stage win over Poland.
Uruguay appointed former Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa as head coach in May and Messi said the Argentine’s influence is already clear.
Argentina, who had won all four of their opening qualifiers, remain top of the standings with 12 points from five matches while Uruguay are second with 10 points.
Luiz Diaz Inspires Colombia Against Brazil As Uruguay Halt Argentina’s Winning Run
