Friendly: Argentina fall to Uruguay without Lionel Messi

13.11.26 FT Friendly International

Argentina

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Uruguay

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Argentina endured a difficult evening in their first match since Lionel Messi’s farewell to the national team. Facing Uruguay in a friendly on Saturday, November 14, Lionel Scaloni’s side lost 2-1 at La Bombonera. Beyond the result, the atmosphere in the stands also made an impression, with the stadium far from full.

Uruguay make the difference in the second half

After a goalless first half, the match came to life after the break. In the 48th minute, Leonardo Balerdi scored an own goal to give Uruguay the lead.

Five minutes later, Maximiliano Araújo doubled the Celeste’s lead. Trailing 2-0, Argentina tried to respond, and Julián Álvarez pulled one back in the 73rd minute. Despite that response, Lionel Scaloni’s men were unable to level the score. Uruguay thus won 2-1, recording another victory over its neighbours after a three-year wait.

La Bombonera far from full

The other striking image from the evening was the attendance. According to several media outlets, around 25,000 people were in the stands at La Bombonera, less than half the stadium’s capacity. Only 10,000 tickets were reportedly sold, with the remaining seats allocated as invitations.

High ticket prices, ranging from 55 to 170 euros, reportedly contributed to the poor turnout. This unusual atmosphere contrasted with the big nights the Albiceleste have enjoyed in recent years.

The post-Messi era begins on a difficult note

The departure of Lionel Messi, announced a month earlier, leaves a major void in the Argentina squad. His famous number 10 shirt remains without a new wearer for the time being. Argentina had recorded 17 wins and just one defeat in its previous run of matches, with that loss coming in the final of the 2026 World Cup against Spain.

This defeat to Uruguay came in a friendly, but it was played at a particular moment for the Albiceleste. The post-Messi era has therefore begun with a defeat and a disappointing evening at La Bombonera.

Aliou Toundé |

Editorfr

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