He was in the thoughts of players with Alvarez and Fernandez both doing his celebration when they ... things that could pay dividends come World Cup time. Messi can't play soccer forever so ...

Defending champion Argentina had to put the celebrations on hold ... despite the absence of Lionel Messi. Brazil's worst deficit in South American World Cup qualifying history compounded pressure ...

Without Messi and Martinez, Alvarez has risen as one of the undisputed star of the team. His goal, according to MisterChip, is the third earliest ever scored in a World Cup Qualifiers derby.