Uruguay beats Argentina in first match since Lionel Messi’s retirement

Argentina suffered defeat in their first match following Lionel Messi's retirement from international football, losing 2-1 to Uruguay at the La Bombonera in Buenos Aires. The world champions conceded twice before pulling one goal back late in the match but ultimately failed to avoid defeat.

The hosts created several chances in the first half but could not find the net. Argentina dominated possession and attacking play, with Nico Paz and other forwards putting Uruguay's defence under pressure on several occasions. However, goalkeeper Christopher Fiermarin produced a solid performance to keep the score level at 0-0 at half-time.

Uruguay took the lead shortly after the restart. In the 48th minute, a free kick from Giorgian de Arrascaeta caused problems for Argentina's defence. Lisandro Martinez's attempted headed clearance went wrong, and the ball deflected off Leonardo Balerdi into the net for an own goal, putting the visitors 1-0 ahead.

Uruguay doubled their advantage just five minutes later. Maxi Araujo capitalised on an opportunity created by De Arrascaeta's corner to score in the 53rd minute, leaving Argentina trailing 2-0. The hosts responded by increasing their attacking intensity in search of a comeback.

Julian Alvarez pulled one back for Argentina in the 78th minute, raising hopes of a late equaliser. However, the hosts were unable to break through Uruguay's defence. Argentina created another scoring opportunity in stoppage time, but Fiermarin's resolute goalkeeping ensured the visitors held on for victory.

The statistics reflected Argentina's dominance in possession. The hosts controlled the ball for 72 per cent of the match and registered six shots on target, compared with Uruguay's three. However, Fiermarin made five crucial saves to deny Argentina, while the hosts' goalkeeper, Geronimo Rulli, made two saves.

The match was Argentina's first without Messi, following his retirement from international football. The 39-year-old last represented his country against Benin last month, bringing his international career to a close with 125 goals in 207 appearances.

Meanwhile, the encounter marked the 198th edition of the historic Rio de la Plata derby between the two South American rivals. Uruguay's victory took their total number of wins over Argentina to 59. Argentina have won 92 matches, while 46 encounters have ended in draws.

Argentina will face Costa Rica in Cordoba on November 17 in their next match this year. Uruguay, meanwhile, continued their recent run of success against the world champions with the victory.