Uruguay defeat Argentina 2-1 in first match since Messi’s retirement

Uruguay defeated Argentina 2-1 in an international match on Friday, giving the world champions a loss in their first game since Lionel Messi retired from international competition in early October, ESPN reported.

An own goal from defender Leonardo Balerdi on 48 minutes at La Bombonera handed Uruguay the advantage and Maximiliano Araújo doubled their lead five minutes later.

Julián Álvarez scored for Argentina in the 73rd minute, but the visitors couldn’t manage to level up.

The game was the start of a new era for Argentina under coach Lionel Scaloni, whose contract runs through 2030.

Messi was a reminder both on and off the pitch. Argentina did not pick anyone to wear the No. 10 shirt, with coach Scaloni saying he had yet to find a replacement for the 39-year-old forward.

Though Messi may have commanded possession, Argentina seemed to miss a spark going forward, neither Nicolás Paz nor Thiago Almada could take on the creative burden.

Argentina will be against Costa Rica, in Córdoba, on Tuesday, while in Uruguay it will be against the Dominican Republic, on the same day.