Thiago Almada struck late as Argentina salvaged a 1-1 home draw against Colombia in their FIFA World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.

Liverpool forward Luis Diaz gave the visitors the lead against the run of play when he cut inside from the left wing and skipped past three defenders before coolly firing a shot past Emiliano Martinez.

The host was forced to play the last 25 minutes with 10 men after Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez was shown a straight red card for a dangerous challenge on Kevin Castano.

Despite its numerical disadvantage, Argentina continued to dictate terms and pushed forward in search of an equalizer.

Lyon midfielder Almada put his side on level terms nine minutes from time by receiving Exequiel Palacios' pass and advancing into the box before drilling a low effort into the far corner.

Reigning World Cup champion Argentina, which is already assured of a place at football's showpiece tournament next year, remains top of South America's qualifying group with 35 points, 13 ahead of sixth-placed Colombia.

The top six teams earn direct entry to the World Cup while the seventh-ranked side advances to a playoff.

Argentina will meet Venezuela and Ecuador in its last two qualifiers in September while Colombia will confront Bolivia and Venezuela.