Argentina now top the table for 2026 qualifying as the only country with a 100% record from their opening three games following a 1-0 victory over Paraguay on Friday.
Alvarez started in Buenos Aires as the current World Cup holders secured a narrow win thanks to an early goal from former City defender Nicolas Otamendi.
The City forward, who has been in sparkling form this season with six goals and five assists already, was replaced in the second half by Lionel Messi.
Brazil, meanwhile, dropped their first points of qualification when they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Venezuela.
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Arsenal’s Gabriel put Brazil ahead in Cuiaba but the visitors snatched a draw with a stunning bicycle kick from Eduard Bello that gave Ederson no chance.
The City goalkeeper and Brazil now head to Uruguay for their next World Cup qualifier on Wednesday 18 October at 01:00 (UK) while Alvarez’s Argentina kick off two hours later in Peru.
