World champions Argentina suffered their second defeat in CONMEBOL qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday, as a James Rodriguez penalty ensured Argentina’s 2-1 defeat to Colombia.

The victory was sweet revenge for the Colombian team that had lost the Copa America final to Argentina in July.

Colombia, supported by a passionate crowd at the Metropolitano Stadium, took the lead in the 25th minute when Rodriguez fired a cross from a short corner against the far post, with Yerson Mosquera leaping to head in.

With Rodriguez driving the midfield and Luis Diaz dangerous with his pace on the flanks, Colombia dominated the first half against a sluggish Argentina, who were without the injured Lionel Messi.

But the visitors levelled three minutes into the second half when a miscued pass from Rodriguez was seized upon by Nicolas Gonzalez. Gonzalez sprinted clear, held off Mosquera and fired the ball past the advancing Colombian keeper Camilo Vargas.

Twelve minutes later, Colombia controversially regained the lead.

Daniel Munoz went down after a foul by Nicolas Otamendi and after a few minutes the referee was sent to VAR and he was awarded a penalty.

James found himself on the spot, facing penalty specialist Emiliano Martinez, and fired home confidently, sending the keeper the wrong way.

Colombian striker Jhon Duran missed a great chance to make it 3-1 when he was free in the centre of the penalty area but fired the ball straight at Martinez.

sev/bur