While they had a string of victories since their coronation in Qatar and had not even conceded a single goal in 2023, the world champions were beaten by Uruguay (2-0).
End of series for the world champions. Since their victory on penalties against France in the World Cup final, Argentina had become a winning machine, stringing together no less than seven victories, all without conceding a single goal. The Albiceleste hoped to extend their good series on Thursday against Uruguay, but Lionel Scaloni’s men lost 2-0 at home, conceding their first defeat since their setback against Saudi Arabia for their entry into competing in Qatar.
Surprised by a first goal from Ronald Araujo shortly before the break, Argentina saw Darwin Nunez double the lead on the counter-attack at the very end of the match after Lionel Messi lost the ball in front of the Uruguayan penalty area. The former Parisian, who has been out of action for three weeks and the end of the MLS regular season, was not to his advantage against the Celeste. “It was a difficult match. They played with great intensity. We never felt comfortable and we could never find a way to have long possessions. It’s a very physical team,” he confided after the meeting.
Uruguay, which has not won against its neighbor for 36 years, for its part confirms its recovery because this victory comes a month after a first prestigious success against Brazil. Enough to allow it to move up to second place in the qualifying standings, with two points outlay over Argentina.
