Buenos Aires: Argentina faced defeat in their first match since Lionel Messi’s retirement from international football. In a friendly match played on Friday, Uruguay defeated Argentina 2-1. An own goal by defender Leonardo Balerdi and a goal from Uruguayan midfielder Maxi Araújo proved decisive in Argentina’s defeat.
This marks the third victory for the team under the leadership of their new head coach, Diego Forlán. Meanwhile, Argentina—the 2026 World Cup runners-up—struggled to break through Uruguay’s solid defensive line in the absence of Messi.
The opening goal of the match came shortly after the start of the second half. A free-kick delivered from the left by Giorgian de Arrascaeta caused chaos in Argentina’s defensive zone; Lisandro Martínez attempted to clear the ball with a header, but it struck his teammate Balerdi and deflected into their own net.
In the 53rd minute, De Arrascaeta extended Uruguay’s lead via a corner kick. The ball deflected off Araújo’s shoulder, looped into the air, and landed inside the goalpost.
Atlético Madrid striker Julián Álvarez gave Argentina a glimmer of hope by scoring in the 73rd minute. They had another promising opportunity during injury time, but Uruguay managed to hold onto their lead, securing a 2-1 victory.
Messi played his final match for Argentina last month—an emotional farewell friendly against Benin, which ended in a win. With this, he brought an end to a stellar career that saw him score 125 goals in 207 international matches. In the absence of 39-year-old Messi, Argentina struggled to secure a win against Uruguay.
