Uruguay beat Argentina at La Bombonera as life after Lionel Messi begins with defeat

Argentina’s first match of the post-Lionel Messi era ended in disappointment as Uruguay secured victory at La Bombonera, in the opening game since Lionel Scaloni’s contract was extended until 2030.

The match failed to reach the expected level of quality or excitement, with Argentina’s late response led by Matias Prestianni the main exception. Uruguay also repeated its success at Boca Juniors’ stadium, having won there in 2023, while a limited crowd watched a game ultimately decided by two set-piece goals.

Uruguay, managed by Forlan, who is moving closer to establishing himself in the role, began with a clear intention to control possession and dictate the match. Its early pressure, however, produced little because of a lack of creativity and a failure from its attacking players to take responsibility in the final third.

Argentina needed fewer opportunities to threaten. Julian Alvarez came close with a low shot that goalkeeper Fiermarin dealt with superbly, while Enzo Fernandez and Medina both tested him from outside the penalty area. The Uruguay goalkeeper remained composed throughout the attempts.

Argentina struggled to find a way through a well-organised defence. Without Messi, greater responsibility has to be shared across the team, although individual moments can still decide a closely balanced encounter.

Uruguay went into half-time without a shot on target but nevertheless took the lead. A set-piece was cleared by Lisandro, only for the ball to strike Valverde in the face before changing direction and ending up in the net.

The visitors doubled their advantage from a corner, again with an element of fortune. Araujo attempted to turn the delivery towards goal with a header at the near post, but the ball caught him between the back of his head and his neck. Its unexpected change of direction took it beyond the reach of the Argentina players.

The game’s pattern shifted when Prestianni was introduced. Argentina increased the tempo of its attacks in Uruguay’s half, with the winger immediately taking responsibility for driving his side forward.

Prestianni continued to create openings and restored some tension to the contest in the 72nd minute. He carried the ball down the left before finding Julian Alvarez, who finished neatly with the inside of his foot to reduce the deficit and give Argentina hope of a comeback.

That momentum faded in the closing stages as Argentina’s attacking rhythm dropped. Uruguay regained its intensity and applied stronger pressure, helped by the substitutes introduced during the second half.

Fiermarin was not seriously tested again before the final whistle, allowing Uruguay to claim an important win and return to winning ways.