Chile vs. Argentina: Picks, Predictions, Odds and Player Props

Argentina qualified for the World Cup with four games to spare but will be aiming for another three points when taking on CONMEBOL basement boys Chile in Santiago.

Chile vs. Argentina betting picks and predictions

Argentina to win (-125)

CONMEBOL qualification has been largely dominated by Argentina, who can secure an 11th victory in 15 games when taking on out-of-sorts Chile at Estadio Nacional Julio Martinez Pradanos in Santiago.

Lionel Scaloni's world champions are eight points clear of second-placed Ecuador and booked their ticket to the 2026 World Cup in fine style with a 4-1 victory at home to arch rivals Brazil.

Qualifying with such ease affords Scaloni extra time to prepare for next summer but he has resisted the temptation to go into full on experimentation mode.

A strong squad has been assembled, including 37-year-old Lionel Messi, who has bagged six goals in qualifying and who is joint-top of the scoring charts alongside Colombia’s Luis Diaz.

Argentina are the section’s top scorers with 26 goals, but they have also racked up nine clean sheets and could operate with the same back four - right-back Nahuel Molina, centre-backs Nicolas Otamendi and Cristian Romero and left-back Nicolas Tagliafico - that started against the Brazilians.

They are determined to wrap up top spot as soon as possible and will not want to do any favours to bitter regional rivals Chile, who are heading for a third successive failure in the World Cup qualifying process.

Chile have won just two of their 14 matches and must attempt to bridge a five-point gap between themselves and seventh-placed Venezuela, who occupy the play-off place.

At this point the Chileans are in desperate need of victories and their manager, Ricardo Gareca, will be looking for leadership from 38-year-old midfielder Arturo Vidal and 36-year-old attacker Alexis Sanchez, who were members of the squad that competed at the 2010 and 2014 World Cups.

However, both players are well past their best with Vidal plying his trade in the Chilean domestic league with Colo Colo and Sanchez completing a disappointing season for Udinese where he has returned for a second spell.

There has been a lack of talent coming through, and a shortage of offensive quality was noticeable in the March qualifiers with Gareca’s team losing 1-0 away to Paraguay and drawing 0-0 at home to Ecuador.

La Roja will have to keep fighting while the mathematics remain inconclusive but another setback looks likely against Argentina, who can register their fifth win in six matches.

Julian Alvarez to score anytime (+162)

Messi continues to attract the bulk of the attention whenever Argentina take to the field, but his status as the main man is starting to come under threat.

Lautaro Martinez has had a strong season for Inter Milan, scoring 22 goals across all competitions, while Julian Alvarez has continued to develop since last summer’s switch from Manchester City to Atletico Madrid.

Alvarez bagged 17 goals in 37 La Liga appearances and is growing more comfortable on the international stage.

He started the scoring in the 4-1 triumph over Brazil and can find the net against the Chileans.

Over 2.5 goals (+130)

There are plenty of low-scoring games in South American qualifying, but Chile’s contest with Argentina could buck the trend.

Chile are in the position of having to push for victories, but they could leave themselves exposed against an Argentina side which can afford to play in a more relaxed manner.

Both teams are likely to play positively and over 2.5 goals looks a worthwhile wager.

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Chile vs. Argentina odds

Chile	+375
Draw	+240
Argentina	-125

Chile vs. Argentina player props

Anytime Goalscorer

Lionel Messi (Argentina)	+120
Lautaro Martinez (Argentina)	+150
Julian Alvarez (Argentina)	+162
Giuliano Simeone (Argentina)	+162
Nicolas Gonzalez (Argentina)	+350
Alexis Sanchez (Chile)	+350

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.