Argentina Lose First Match of Post-Messi Era, Beaten 2-1 by Uruguay
Argentina lost 2-1 to Uruguay in a friendly at La Bombonera stadium in Buenos Aires, the first match of the final international break of the year. It was Argentina's first match since Lionel Messi retired from the national team last October, and the post-Messi era began with a defeat.
The loss also marked the start of a new chapter for Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni after his new contract running to the 2030 World Cup. All three goals in the latest edition of the Rio de la Plata derby came after half-time.
The hosts fell behind in the 48th minute to an own goal by Argentina defender Leandro Balerdi. Before they could recover, Uruguay midfielder Maximiliano Araujo scored in the 53rd minute to make it 0-2. Both goals came from set pieces.
Argentina then pushed desperately for a goal. In the 73rd minute, Julian Alvarez pulled one back with a right-footed shot from the corner of the box.
But missed chances and a failure to play their natural game meant Scaloni's side could not avoid defeat, and they left the field beaten 2-1.
The picture off the pitch was also striking. La Bombonera holds just over 58,000 spectators, yet most of the third tier of the stands was closed.
Ticket prices for special seats had been cut by 40 percent for this match. Even so, roughly half the gallery was empty.
The impact of Messi's retirement appeared to show in the attendance as well. In Argentina's first match without Messi, there was a defeat on the pitch and emptiness in the stands.
