Buenos Aires: Argentina began life without Lionel Messi with a 2-1 defeat against Uruguay in an international friendly at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires on Friday.
The loss marked Argentina’s first outing since Messi announced his retirement from international football in early October, bringing an end to an illustrious career spanning more than two decades with the national team.
Despite entering a new era, Argentina struggled to find the attacking spark that Messi provided for years, as Uruguay secured a memorable victory under new head coach Diego Forlán.
Leonardo Balerdi’s own goal gave Uruguay the lead in the 48th minute before Maxi Araújo doubled the visitors’ advantage just five minutes later.
Argentina responded through Julián Álvarez, who reduced the deficit in the 73rd minute, but the hosts were unable to find an equaliser.
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni, who recently extended his contract until 2030, remained optimistic despite the defeat, insisting that the team possesses enough quality to move forward without its legendary captain.
“We have to rebuild without Leo Messi, and we have the talent to bounce back from this loss,” Scaloni said.
He added that Argentina showed improvement in the second half and that the match provided valuable lessons for the team’s rebuilding process.
Álvarez also acknowledged that the national team was entering a new chapter, with several young players expected to take on greater responsibilities.
“It was an important match, and we wanted to win it. Beyond the result, we did some good things. There is always room for improvement,” the forward said.
Messi’s absence was evident both on and off the pitch. The legendary forward, who finished his international career with 207 appearances and 125 goals for Argentina, had played his final official international match in the 1-0 defeat against Spain in the World Cup final in New Jersey.
He had earlier received an emotional farewell from Argentine supporters during a friendly victory over Benin last month.
Although several supporters at La Bombonera wore Messi’s iconic No. 10 jersey, Scaloni decided not to hand the number to another player for the match. The coach indicated that he had yet to decide who should eventually inherit the shirt.
Argentina continued to enjoy possession and displayed its familiar passing style, but lacked the creativity and decisive attacking contribution that Messi had delivered for years. Neither Nico Paz nor Thiago Almada managed to make a significant impact in filling that creative void.
Argentina will now look to return to winning ways when it faces Costa Rica in Córdoba on Tuesday. Uruguay, meanwhile, will host the Dominican Republic on the same day.
