No 10 shirt, stands not full: Messi-less Argentina knocked down by Uruguay

Argentina’s first game in the post-Lionel Messi era ended in defeat, Uruguay beating the world champions 2-1 in an international friendly at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires on Friday.Argentina, playing their first game since Messi’s retirement from international football at the start of October, failed to open a new chapter with a win under coach Lionel Scaloni.Uruguay took the lead in the 48th minute with an own goal by Leonardo Balerdi. Five minutes later, Maximiliano Araújo doubled the visitors’ advantage under new coach Diego Forlán.In the 73rd minute, Julián Álvarez pulled one back for Argentina, but the hosts couldn’t find an equaliser.The match, known as the clásico rioplatense, marked the beginning of a new phase for Argentina after Messi’s retirement from the national team. Scaloni, who led the team to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title, extended his contract until 2030 earlier this week.Messi’s absence was the biggest topic before the game. The 39-year-old ended his international career last month after an emotional friendly with Benin. He represented Argentina in 207 matches and scored 125 goals.The impact of his absence was also visible in the stands, where La Bombonera fell short behind the sold-out crowd, something rarely seen at Argentina matches.Although most of the supporters wore Argentina’s traditional blue and white jersey with Messi’s number 10 on the back, Scaloni decided not to give the jersey number to another player. The coach said he has yet to decide who will be Messi’s successor, preferring to leave the number blank for now as there is no obligation to assign one.On the pitch, Argentina continued to dominate possession but lacked the attacking threat and creativity that Messi brought to the team in the final third. Neither Nicolás Paz nor Thiago Almada could fill that gap.Argentina will be looking to get back to winning ways when they face Costa Rica in Córdoba on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Uruguay will host the Dominican Republic on the same day.