Argentina suffered their first defeat since Messi retired.
Argentina's national team suffered a 2-1 defeat to Uruguay in a friendly match played at La Bombonera stadium in Buenos Aires on November 13, their first match since legend Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football.
Last month, Lionel Messi played his final match for Argentina in a thrilling friendly against Benin, capping a glorious career that included 207 caps and 125 goals. Without the 39-year-old superstar, Argentina struggled to break through Uruguay's solid defense for much of the match.
Nico Paz had Argentina's best chance of the first half, but his shot was saved by Uruguayan goalkeeper Cristopher Fiermarin. Uruguay turned things around shortly after halftime, when a free kick from the left by Giorgian de Arrascaeta sparked chaos in front of the Argentine goal. Defender Lisandro Martinez attempted a header to clear the ball, but the ball deflected off teammate Leonardo Balerdi and into the net.
In the 53rd minute, De Arrascaeta continued his contribution to Uruguay's second goal: his corner appeared to have touched Maxi Araujo's shoulder before curving the ball into the net.
Alvarez pulled Argentina back midway through the second half to level the score at 1-2, and Uruguay had another chance in injury time, but Uruguay held on to win, defeating reigning World Cup finalists Argentina in their first match since Messi's retirement. Coach Lionel Scaloni suffered a bitter defeat just days after renewing his contract with the Argentina national team until 2030.
Nonetheless, coach Scaloni said he was confident his team possessed enough talent to rebuild after more than 20 years centered around the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.
"We need to rebuild without Leo Messi, and we have enough talent to bounce back from this defeat," commented coach Scaloni. "The game went quite well, regardless of the final score, and we played well in the second half. This gives me a lot to analyze. We know things will be difficult, and now is the time to keep working hard."
Meanwhile, striker Alvarez said: "It was an important match and we really wanted to win. Even though the result wasn't what we hoped for, we still showed some positive aspects. There's always room for improvement."
We've largely achieved the coach's objectives. There's still a game to play. This is a new era with many young faces. We must continue to strive to uphold the legacy left by previous generations.
Argentina will look to boost morale when they face Costa Rica in Cordoba on November 17. Meanwhile, Uruguay, after securing their third victory under new coach Diego Forlán, returns to play at home against the Dominican Republic.
LINH SON