Argentina and Portugal suffer defeats in first matches without Messi and Ronaldo

Argentina and Portugal both lost their first matches since the international retirements of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, underlining the challenge facing the two footballing powerhouses as they begin life without their iconic captains.

Argentina were beaten 2-1 by Uruguay in a friendly at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires, while Portugal suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat by Denmark in the Nations League on Saturday.

The result was Argentina’s first since Messi ended his international career. Uruguay took the lead in the 48th minute when Argentina defender Leonardo Balerdi scored an own goal, before Maximiliano Araujo doubled the visitors’ advantage five minutes later.

Julian Alvarez pulled one back for the hosts in the 73rd minute, but Argentina could not find an equaliser.

Messi was absent from the side he led to victory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. He finished his international career with 208 appearances and 126 goals, records for Argentina in both categories.

His absence was also evident in the stands, with La Bombonera failing to attract the usual crowd for an Argentina fixture. Lionel Scaloni also chose not to give the number 10 shirt to another player, leaving the number associated with Messi without a new wearer for the time being.

Scaloni has extended his contract with the Argentine Football Association until 2030. During his time in charge, Argentina have won the 2022 World Cup, the Copa America in 2021 and 2024, and the 2022 Finalissima.

Ronaldo tribute ends in defeat

Portugal’s first match since Ronaldo announced his international retirement on 5 November also ended in disappointment, as Denmark won 4-1.

The evening began as a tribute to Portugal’s former captain. During the teams’ entrance and national anthems, Portugal’s players wore shirts bearing Ronaldo’s name and number seven, while supporters displayed banners celebrating his career.

Denmark took the lead shortly before half-time when Pierre-Emile Højbjerg converted a penalty. Rasmus Højlund then scored twice, in the 50th and 57th minutes, before Joachim Andersen added a fourth in the 75th minute.

Bernardo Silva scored Portugal’s only goal in added time.

Ronaldo left the national team having made 234 appearances and scored 146 goals, world records for international appearances and goals. He helped Portugal win Euro 2016 and the Nations League in 2019 and 2025.

Despite the defeat, Portugal remain top of their Nations League group with 12 points, three ahead of Denmark. They had already secured their place in the quarter-finals before the match.