Argentina began life without Lionel Messi by suffering a 2-1 defeat against Uruguay at Estadio La Bombonera on Saturday in an international friendly match, detikSport reported.

The fixture marked the Albiceleste's first match since their captain retired from international football. Lionel Scaloni’s side controlled early possession but went into halftime locked in a scoreless stalemate before defensive miscues unraveled their afternoon in Buenos Aires.

Defensive Errors Break Deadlock

Uruguay seized control immediately after the interval when a free-kick caused chaos in the home penalty area. Lisandro Martinez rose to clear the set-piece with a header, but the ball struck Leonardo Balerdi on the shoulder and ricocheted past goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli for an own goal in the 48th minute.

Just five minutes later, the visitors doubled their advantage. Maximiliano Araujo met a corner kick delivered by Giorgian de Arrescaeta and powered a header past Rulli to make it 2-0.

Late Push Falls Short

Julian Alvarez threw the hosts a lifeline in the 73rd minute by sliding home a low cross from Gianluca Prestianni inside the penalty box. Despite late pressure, the Albiceleste failed to find an equalizer before the final whistle confirmed the 2-1 scoreline.

Uruguay secured the victory with a starting lineup that featured Cristopher Fiermarin, Guillermo Varela, Mathias Olivera, Ronald Araujo, Maximiliano Araujo, Giorgian de Arrescaeta, Lucas Torreira, Rodrigo Bentancur, Agustin Canobbio, Joaquin Piquerez, and Darwin Nunez. Argentina deployed Geronimo Rulli, Leonardo Balerdi, Gonzalo Montiel, Facundo Medina, Lisandro Martinez, Enzo Fernandez, Exequiel Palacios, Alexis Mac Allister, Thiago Almada, Julian Alvarez, and Nico Paz.

The Search for a New Number 10

The friendly occurred while officials discussed the future of Argentina's number 10 shirt. Scaloni left the jersey vacant for the November fixtures, telling reporters ahead of the match that he was in no rush to assign the heavy burden left by Messi’s retirement.

“In this match against Uruguay, we will not give it to anyone. We have not thought about who will wear it until it becomes an obligation,” Scaloni said, according to Kompas. “When it does have to be determined, we will see who deserves it. However, it is not something that worries me or becomes a very important thing.”

Media reports in Argentina have linked players such as Lautaro Martinez and Nico Paz as potential long-term candidates to inherit the mantle, though Scaloni emphasized that he hopes whoever eventually takes the shirt can hold it for the foreseeable future without constant rotation.

Next Match on the Schedule

Argentina travels to Cordoba to face Costa Rica on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, in their final international fixture of the year.