Argentina lose 2-1 to Uruguay in first post-Messi match

Argentina suffered a 2-1 defeat against Uruguay on Friday in their first friendly match since Lionel Messi’s retirement from international football. This marked the first game for the 2026 World Cup runners-up following Messi's final appearance last month against Benin.

Uruguay took the lead shortly after half-time when a Giorgian de Arrascaeta free-kick caused chaos in the Argentina defense, resulting in a second-half own goal by defender Leonardo Balerdi after a header by Lisandro Martinez deflected off him. According to the New Straits Times, de Arrascaeta then set up the second goal in the 53rd minute via a corner that appeared to hit Maxi Araujo’s shoulder before looping into the net. Gulf News described the effort from midfielder Araujo as fluky.

Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez gave Argentina hope of a comeback with a strike in the 73rd minute, but Uruguay held on for the win. This victory represents the third win for new Uruguay manager Diego Forlan. Earlier in the match, Nico Paz had Argentina's best chance of the first half, but his shot was saved by goalkeeper Cristopher Fiermarin.

Brief written by urgent.news from Punch Nigeria, Gulf News, New Straits Times — 3 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.