Argentina began the post-Lionel Messi era with a disappointing defeat by Uruguay at La Bombonera, in the first match since Lionel Scaloni renewed his contract until 2030.
Uruguay claimed a 2-1 victory in a game that failed to reach the expected technical standard, with the late impact of Prestianni providing the main spark for the hosts. According to Spanish newspaper AS, Uruguay repeated their 2023 success at the home of Boca Juniors, again benefiting from set-pieces in front of a limited crowd.
Under Diego Forlan, who is increasingly establishing himself as Uruguay’s manager, the visitors initially tried to dominate possession and control the match. Their approach soon lost its effectiveness, however, as a lack of creativity and limited attacking movement made it difficult to create clear chances.
Argentina needed fewer opportunities to threaten. Julian Alvarez tested the goalkeeper with a low effort that Viermarin saved well, while Enzo Fernandez and Medina both tried their luck from outside the penalty area. Viermarin remained composed, dealing with the attempts comfortably.
With Messi absent, greater responsibility has fallen on the Argentina squad as a whole, although a moment of individual quality can still decide an even contest. Paz, Almada and the other Argentina players struggled to find a way through a well-organised Uruguay defence.
Uruguay did not register a shot on target in the first half, but still took the lead. A set-piece was only partially cleared by Lisandro, and the ball struck Valverde in the face before changing direction and ending up in the net.
The visitors doubled their advantage after the break from another dead-ball situation. Araujo attempted to redirect a corner at the near post, but the ball made contact with an area between the back of his head and neck. Its unexpected change of direction carried it into the goal beyond the reach of the Argentina players.
The game changed when Prestianni was introduced, with Argentina increasing the tempo of their attacks in Uruguay’s half. The winger immediately took responsibility, repeatedly creating openings and giving the hosts renewed hope in the 72nd minute.
Prestianni drove forward on the left and supplied Julian Alvarez, who finished with the inside of his foot to reduce the deficit.
Argentina’s momentum faded during the closing stages as their attacking intensity dropped. Uruguay responded with stronger pressure and regained their aggression after bringing on several substitutes in the second half.
Viermarin was not seriously tested late on, allowing Uruguay to secure a significant win and strengthen their return to winning ways.
