Argentina 1-2 Uruguay: 1st defeat post WC Final for Argentina: Balerdi OG, Alvarez goal at 72'

Game is over and the final score is Argentina 1-2 Uruguay. The 1st match without Messi in 21 years is a bit disappointing for Argentina. Dominating on stats such as possession and shots, the Argentine could not convert these efforts into changes on scoreboard. Balerdi's clearance turned out to be a hilarious assist to an own goal, while Maxi Araujo grabbed the chance at the near post in a corner kick and extended the lead to 2-0. Despite Alvarez pulled one back at 72nd minute, there is still more for Scaloni and his lads to reconsdier their tactics before real tragedy happens.

Match Report:

Argentina fell 2-1 to Uruguay on Friday in an international friendly at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires, marking the team's first match since Lionel Messi's international retirement in early October.

Leonardo Balerdi opened the scoring with an own goal in the 48th minute, before Maximiliano Araújo doubled Uruguay's lead in the 53rd minute under new coach Diego Forlán.

Julián Álvarez pulled one back for the hosts in the 73rd minute.

This clásico rioplatense also kicked off a new chapter for the Argentine national team under Lionel Scaloni, who extended his contract through 2030 earlier this week.

8' Highlight from Argentina vs Uruguay

17' Highlight from Argentina vs Uruguay

20' Highlight from Argentina vs Uruguay

23' Highlight from Argentina vs Uruguay

33' Match Event for Argentina vs Uruguay

42' Match Event for Argentina vs Uruguay

45' Match Event for Argentina vs Uruguay

47' Highlight from Argentina vs Uruguay

48' GOAL! Argentina 0-1 Uruguay (Leonardo Balerdi)

54' GOAL! Argentina 0-2 Uruguay (Maxi Araújo)

62' Highlight from Argentina vs Uruguay

66' Highlight from Argentina vs Uruguay

69' Match Event for Argentina vs Uruguay

72' GOAL! Argentina 1-2 Uruguay

86' Match Event for Argentina vs Uruguay

Line-ups

Argentina XI: Gerónimo Rulli, Exequiel Palacios, Gonzalo Montiel, Mac Allister, Facundo Medina, Lisandro Martinez, Balerdi, Thiago Almada, Alvarez, Enzo, Nico Paz

Subs: E. Martinez, Tagliafico, Musso, Equi Fernández, Máximo Perrone, José Manuel López, Giuliano Simeone, Matías Soulé, Román Vega, Valentín Barco, Santiago Castro, Agustín Giay, Gianluca Prestianni, Franco Mastantuono, Mariano Troilo

Uruguay XI: G. Varela, G. De Arrascaeta, Torreira, Bentancur, Joaquín Piquerez, Cristopher Fiermarín, M.Olivera, Agustín Canobbio, Araujo, Nunez, Maxi Araújo

Subs: Rodrigo Aguirre, Gimenez, Santiago Mele, Ignacio de Arruabarrena, Valverde, Nicolás de la Cruz, Juan Manuel Sanabria, Sebastián Cáceres, Facundo Pellistri, Rodrigo Zalazar, Federico Viñas, M. Satriano, Facundo Bernal, Santiago Mouriño, Juan Rodríguez