That expanded field means Argentina is already well on its way to a World Cup return, but the table is tightening as Brazil are struggling to recover after a slow start, while Colombia and Marcelo Bielsa's Uruguay are dangerous but have had hiccups and Bolivia had won three in a row to thicken the plot in the race for the final

Argentina striker Lautaro Martinez will miss their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil due to a hamstring injury, the Argentine FA said on Wednesday.

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has been left out of Argentina's squad for their next two World Cup qualifiers. The 37-year-old returned to Miami's starting line-up for their Major League Soccer win over Atlanta United but reportedly picked up an injury during Sunday's game.