argentina vs uruguay: Argentina lose 2-1 to Uruguay at La Bombonera in first match since Messi's retirement

The argentina vs uruguay friendly gave Argentina a losing start to life without Lionel Messi. On Friday, 13 November, Uruguay beat the World Cup runners-up 2-1 at La Bombonera, Boca Juniors' stadium in Buenos Aires. It was Argentina's first match since Messi retired from international football.

How the match unfolded

The first half ended goalless. Argentina's best chance fell to Nico Paz, but Uruguay goalkeeper Cristopher Fiermarin kept his shot out.

The game turned soon after the break. From a Giorgian de Arrascaeta free kick, Lisandro Martinez tried to clear, but the ball came off Leonardo Balerdi and went into Argentina's net. In the 53rd minute another de Arrascaeta corner struck Maxi Araujo and looped in, making it 2-0 to Uruguay. Both goals came from set pieces.

Julian Alvarez pulled one back in the 73rd minute. He had another chance to equalise in stoppage time, but Uruguay held on for the win.

Goals at a glance

• Early second half — Leonardo Balerdi (own goal), Uruguay 1-0
• 53' — Maxi Araujo, Uruguay 2-0
• 73' — Julian Alvarez, Argentina 1-2

First game without Messi, and empty seats

Messi said goodbye to the national team in an emotional farewell friendly against Benin in October. He ends his Argentina career with 207 caps and 125 goals.

His absence was felt off the pitch too. La Bombonera did not sell out; because demand was low, several sections of the stands were never opened, something ESPN and World Soccer Talk said had not been seen at Argentina matches for years. On the pitch, the team also missed Messi's creativity for long spells.

Messi's number 10 shirt was not handed to anyone. Coach Lionel Scaloni has not yet chosen a successor for it. Scaloni recently extended his contract until 2030.

What the coaches said

After the match Scaloni said Argentina have to rebuild without Messi, but the squad has the talent to bounce back. In his view the team played well in the second half, and the game gave him plenty to analyse.

For Uruguay the win came under new coach Diego Forlan. Beating their oldest rivals at such a famous ground is a strong early result for the former star striker.

Background

• Argentina finished as runners-up at the 2026 World Cup.
• This was the team's first test after Messi's farewell, and it came at home against old rivals Uruguay.
• In the same week Portugal also lost their first match after Cristiano Ronaldo's retirement, so both teams began life without their legends with a defeat.

What happens next

Argentina play Costa Rica in a friendly at the Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes in Cordoba on Tuesday, 17 November. Fans in Bangladesh and around the world will watch whether Scaloni tries new combinations, and whether there is any decision on who wears the number 10 shirt.