Having already confirmed top spot in South America WC qualifying with three games remaining, Lionel Scaloni’s men had little to play for here, although they were enthusiastically cheered on by their supporters at the Estadio Monumental.
Meanwhile Colombia, who were yet to book their place at next summer’s tournament, knew that a win would put them on the brink of qualification, although the odds were stacked against them following a run of five games without a victory.
Lionel Messi made his first start for La Albiceleste since November last year, and the veteran magician almost marked the occasion with a goal inside five minutes after being picked out by Enzo Fernández, but his shot flew inches wide.
Julian Alvarez then went close midway through the first half, ultimately being denied by a superb save from Kevin Mier. However, Colombia went up the other end and opened the scoring on 24 minutes when Luis Diaz produced a stunning solo goal. Receiving the ball just inside the Argentina half, the Liverpool winger drifted forward before dribbling past four opposition defenders and slotting past Emiliano Martinez.
Fernandez subsequently had the ball in the back of the net for the home side, yet his goal was ruled out for a prior offside as the visitors took their 1-0 lead into the HT break.
Scaloni wasted no time in making changes, with Nico González introduced along with Giuliano Simeone for just his fifth cap. Still, it was Colombia who remained on top in the early moments of the second half as Díaz embarked on another weaving run into the box before being thwarted by a strong block.
Richard Rios then had an opportunity to double the visitors’ lead on the hour mark after unleashing a powerful shot from the edge of the box, but Martínez did well to get down low and save before picking himself up to smother the rebound.
Not long later, Nico produced a stinging shot from a narrow angle before the ball returned to the Juve man’s feet. He picked out Enzo in the box, but somehow the Chelsea midfielder sent his shot over the bar from a few yards out.
His night got even worse after he was shown a straight red card for a high boot to the head of Kevin Castano, sparking confrontations between the two sets of players. Despite this, Argentina levelled late on when Thiago Almada drove into the box and drilled his finish into the far corner.
After looking destined for victory and moving to within touching distance of next year’s showpiece, Colombia will now have to wait until the next international break to book their. For Argentina, the late leveller extended their unbeaten run to six games (W5, D1) as they continue their preparations for the defence of their WC title.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Luis Díaz (Colombia)
Check out all of the match stats for this World Cup qualifier on Flashscore.