Uruguay eye chance against Messi-less Argentina

Uruguay want to make the most of Lionel Messi's absence in the upcoming friendly against Argentina. Defender Ronald Araujo says the team is eager to do something special with the world's best player missing.

Uruguay will visit Argentina at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires on 14 November during the international break. It will be La Albiceleste's first match without Messi.

Araujo sees Messi's absence as an advantage for his side. 'In the end, they have lost the best player in the world. We will try to take advantage of that opportunity,' he said.

Araujo is well aware, though, that the task will not be easy even without Messi. In his view, Argentina have several talented players who are capable of changing the course of a match. 'They have some great players in their team. There are talented young players too. There is no denying that they are a strong team,' he said.

Knowing the match against Argentina will be challenging, Araujo still wants to give his best. 'Every match against Argentina is tough. But we want to show our style of play and improve further as a national team,' he said.

Araujo has also spoken about the match with Argentina star midfielder Alexis Mac Allister. The two play together at Liverpool, and Araujo said they have teased each other about the upcoming game. 'We have had a bit of fun with each other,' he said.

Uruguay midfielder Federico Valverde, meanwhile, recalled the two teams' last meeting. Uruguay beat Argentina 2-0 at the Bombonera in Buenos Aires in that match, one of the team's best performances under Marcelo Bielsa.

Speaking about that match, Valverde said, 'It will certainly be talked about. Our last win against Argentina came at that very ground. I think we played a great match that day.'

Valverde missed Uruguay's October games through injury. He is back in the squad now, but his participation in the upcoming match is still not certain because of a physical problem. Even so, he wants to repeat the performance of that night. 'There was great energy in the match that day. There was also a wonderful atmosphere among the teammates. I think that night will remain unforgettable for all of us. I hope we can do something like that again,' Valverde said.

Nahuel Molina will not play for Argentina in the November international break. Although FIFA reduced his suspension, his club Roma did not allow the defender to join the squad.