Life without Messi starts with a nightmare! Argentina stunned at home by archrivals
The post-Lionel Messi era for the Argentina national team has begun on a bitter note in Buenos Aires.
Details: In an international friendly at La Bombonera, Argentina suffered a 2-1 defeat against archrivals Uruguay in their first match since Messi's international retirement last month. Despite dominating possession, the hosts were undone by two second-half set-pieces.
Uruguay broke the deadlock in the 48th minute when Giorgian de Arrascaeta's free-kick caused chaos in the box, with Lisandro Martínez's attempted clearance cannoning off teammate Leonardo Balerdi into his own net. Just five minutes later, De Arrascaeta's corner hit Maximiliano Araújo's shoulder and looped in to double the visitors' lead.
Atlético Madrid forward Julián Álvarez pulled one back in the 73rd minute to spark hopes of a comeback, and he came close again in stoppage time, but Diego Forlán's well-organized side held firm to claim their third victory under the new manager.
Head coach Lionel Scaloni, who recently extended his contract through 2030, chose to leave Messi's iconic No. 10 shirt vacant for the match. Without the 39-year-old legend, who bowed out after last month's farewell win over Benin with 207 caps and 125 goals, Argentina lacked their usual spark in the final third.
It is worth noting that Argentina will look to bounce back on Tuesday against Costa Rica in Córdoba, while Uruguay return home to host the Dominican Republic.
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Steven Perez
Dailysports's expert
