Argentina's first match since Lionel Messi's retirement from international football ended in a 2-1 friendly defeat to Uruguay at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires on Friday.
Uruguay broke through soon after halftime. A free kick from the left by Giorgian de Arrascaeta caused chaos in the Argentine defense, and defender Leonardo Balerdi turned the ball into his own net in the 48th minute. Five minutes later, Maxi Araujo doubled the lead with a fluky effort.
Julian Alvarez pulled one back for the hosts in the 73rd minute, but Argentina could not find an equalizer. Nico Paz had the home side's best chance of the first half, but Uruguay goalkeeper Cristopher Fiermarin saved his shot. Matias Soule came on at halftime and played the entire second half as Argentina pushed forward.
Argentina started Rulli in goal, with Lisandro Martinez and Balerdi in defense and Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister in midfield. Uruguay's lineup included Ronald Araujo, Bentancur, Torreira and Nunez, and Valverde and Pellistri came off the bench in the second half.
With the 39-year-old Messi gone, Argentina struggled to break down a resilient Uruguay side for long stretches. The team kept its polished possession game, but it lacked the incisive spark in the final third that Messi typically provided.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, who has extended his contract until 2030, started a front three of Paz, Alvarez and Thiago Almada, and the number 10 shirt was left unassigned. His trusted assistant, Walter Samuel, has left to begin a coaching career of his own.
Speaking after the match, Scaloni said the game was good beyond the final result and that Argentina played well in the second half. He added that the team has to rebuild without Messi but has the talent to bounce back from the loss.
Messi announced his retirement from international football in early October. He played his last game for Argentina in an emotional farewell friendly victory over Benin last month, finishing with 207 appearances and 125 goals. His last official match was the 1-0 World Cup final defeat to Spain in New Jersey, which left Argentina as runners-up.
The occasion drew a noticeably smaller crowd than Argentina has been used to. Reports put the attendance at around 25,000, roughly 40 percent of the stadium's capacity, and one report described La Bombonera as half empty.
Uruguay, coached by former Inter Milan player Diego Forlan, took full advantage. Argentina will next face Costa Rica in a friendly in Cordoba on Wednesday, while Uruguay play the Dominican Republic on the same day.
