Argentina began life without Lionel Messi with a 2-1 friendly defeat against Uruguay at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires. The match was the national team’s first fixture since their former captain ended his 21-year international career following a 3-0 win over Benin last month.
During his tenure with the national team, Messi became Argentina’s all-time leading appearance maker and top goalscorer while guiding the country to victory in the 2022 World Cup alongside two Copa America titles.
Match Action and Low Attendance
The visiting side, managed by Diego Forlan, broke the deadlock early in the second half. In the 48th minute, Roma defender Leonardo Balerdi accidentally turned a set piece into his own net. Uruguay expanded their lead five minutes later when Maxi Araujo’s header off a corner looped over goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli.
Argentina responded by generating several scoring opportunities and pulled a goal back in the 73rd minute. Striker Julian Alvarez found the net following a cross from youngster Gianluca Prestianni, but the hosts were unable to secure an equalizer before the final whistle.
The encounter was played inside a sparse stadium. Argentine newspaper Clarin reported that attendance was between 20,000 and 25,000 spectators, which is less than half of the venue’s 58,000 capacity. Spanish outlet AS attributed the low turnout to elevated ticket pricing and strict purchasing restrictions.
Scaloni and Alvarez on the Team’s Transition
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni, who recently signed a contract extension keeping him in charge until 2030, addressed the squad’s performance after the game. Scaloni emphasized the need for patience as younger prospects such as Nico Paz, Matias Soule, and Prestianni adapt to the senior squad.
“We have to re-find ourselves without Leo Messi and we have the material to leave behind this defeat,” Scaloni said as reported by ESPN. “We couldn’t find the moment for the boys (youngsters Nico Paz, Matias Soule and Prestianni) to play their football. We can’t expect them to put the team on their shoulders, it’s hard, and their team-mates will help them.”
Scaloni also addressed the supporters, adding: “The people will come to support us, even if he (Messi) isn’t here anymore. We need to inspire the fans.”
Alvarez also reflected on the roster’s ongoing generational shift in comments released by the Argentine Football Association website.
“It’s a new era, with many young players. We have to keep working to continue the legacy left by the others,” the Atletico Madrid forward said. “We learned and grew during these years with people who gave everything to the national team: we try to emulate that.”
Argentina will complete their current international schedule on Tuesday when they face Costa Rica in another friendly match at the Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes in Cordoba.
