Uruguay Beat Argentina 2-1 in First Game Without Messi

Uruguay beat Argentina 2-1 in an international friendly at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires on Friday (Nov 13), as life for Argentina without Messi began with a defeat, ESPN reported. It was the World Cup runners-up’s first match since Lionel Messi retired from international football in October.

Two Quick Goals After the Break

The first half ended goalless despite Argentina’s pressure. Julian Alvarez had an early shot saved, Thiago Almada was denied on the follow-up, and Uruguay goalkeeper Cristopher Fiermarin kept out efforts from Enzo Fernandez and Facundo Medina. Nico Paz also headed narrowly wide, according to FotMob.

Uruguay struck twice soon after the restart. Argentina defender Leonardo Balerdi put the ball into his own net in the 48th minute, and Maxi Araujo doubled the lead five minutes later.

Atletico Madrid striker Alvarez pulled a goal back for the hosts in the 73rd minute and had another good chance in stoppage time, but Uruguay held on.

FotMob figures showed Argentina created 17 chances, with six on target. Alvarez had a game-high four shots, three of them on target.

Argentina Without Messi: Scaloni Wants Rebuild

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said after the match: “We have to rebuild without Leo Messi.” He added that the squad had the talent to recover from the loss, ESPN reported.

ESPN said the stadium was not sold out, which it described as a rare departure from the norm when Messi played. It also reported that Argentina kept much of the possession but lacked a cutting edge in the final third.

Messi, 39, played his final official match for Argentina in the 1-0 World Cup final defeat to Spain in New Jersey, and said farewell to fans in a friendly win over Benin last month, according to ESPN. Gulf News reported that his international career spanned 207 caps and 125 goals.

Third Straight Win for Forlan

The result gave Uruguay a third straight victory under new coach Diego Forlan, The Daily Star and FotMob reported.

FotMob reported that Uruguay’s Nunez and Argentina’s Alvarez each had chances saved at either end late on as the visitors protected their lead.

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