Argentina loses first match since the World Cup

Uruguay beat Argentina 2-0 at La Bombonera Stadium in Buenos Aires in a World Cup qualifying match. Argentina hadn't lost a competitive match since its group-stage opener against Saudi Arabia during last year's World Cup in Qatar.

The World Cup winners still lead the 10-team South American qualifying group with 12 points from five matches. Uruguay is second with 10 points. Brazil will host the World Cup champions at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on 22nd November. Brazil are in the fifth spot with only 7 points.

The 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada will feature 48 teams, including top six teams from South America.

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What happened in the Argentina vs Uruguay match?

Uruguay was aggressive from the start against the World Cup Champions. Darwin Núnez nearly opened the scoring in the 10th minute after a mistake by defender Nicolás Otamendi. For the first time since Argentina's World Cup campaign, coach Lionel Scaloni looked out of ideas as his players were struggling to stop Uruguay's wingers.

In the 41st minute, Matias Viña easily stole the ball from Nahuel Molina and gently made a low cross into the penalty box. Ronald Araújo smashed it into the back of the net to provide a lead to his side.

Argentina came close to leveling the scoring on a free kick by Messi and a close-range shot by Otamendi, which forced the Uruguay goalkeeper to make a key save near the end of the first half.

After the break, Uruguay kept the pressure on Argentina, but Argentina once again came close when Messi hit the bar with a free kick in the 57th minute. Argentina were keeping the possession but Uruguay were looking threatening in the counters.

Núnez then scored in the 87th minute on a counter after the Uruguayan defense stopped Messi at the edge of its box.

"We never felt comfortable in this match," Messi said after the match.