Uruguay, Argentina, Lionel Scaloni and Diego Forlán
13 November 2026
Uruguay defeated Argentina 2-1 in a friendly in Buenos Aires, handing the World Cup runners-up a defeat in their first game since Lionel Messi’s international retirement. Argentina began a new era under recently renewed coach Lionel Scaloni without assigning Messi’s number ten shirt.
Leonardo Balerdi’s own goal put Uruguay ahead shortly after halftime, and Maxi Araújo doubled the lead five minutes later. Julián Álvarez pulled one back, but Argentina could not equalise. New Uruguay coach Diego Forlán secured victory in his first match.
Why It Matters
Argentina's first post-Messi outing ended in defeat, exposing the challenge of rebuilding their attack, while Uruguay opened Diego Forlán's tenure with a notable away win.