Argentina Suffer 1-2 Defeat In First Match After Lionel Messi’s Retirement | Football News

Last Updated:November 14, 2026, 09:13 IST

A second-half own goal by Argentina defender Leonardo Balerdi followed by a fluky effort from Uruguay midfielder Maxi Araujo sealed defeat for the 2026 World Cup runners-up.

Argentina suffer 1-2 defeat in first match after Lionel Messi’s retirement. (Picture Credit: AP)

Argentina suffered a 2-1 defeat against Uruguay on Friday in their first game since Lionel Messi’s retirement from international football.

A second-half own goal by Argentina defender Leonardo Balerdi followed by a fluky effort from Uruguay midfielder Maxi Araujo sealed defeat for the 2026 World Cup runners-up.

Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alavarez gave Argentina hope of a comeback with a 73rd-minute strike but Uruguay held on to clinch a third victory for new manager Diego Forlan.

Messi played his final game for Argentina in an emotional farewell friendly victory over Benin last month, calling time on a glittering career that spanned 207 caps and 125 goals.

With the 39-year-old genius missing, Argentina struggled to break down a resilient Uruguay team for long stretches of Friday’s friendly.

Nico Paz had Argentina’s best chance of the first half, but saw his shot well-saved by Uruguay goalkeeper Cristopher Fiermarin.

Uruguay made the breakthrough soon after half-time when a Giorgian de Arrascaeta free-kick from the left caused chaos in the Argentina defence.

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez attempted to clear with a header but his effort instead cannoned off team-mate Balerdi and into the net.

De Arrascaeta then set up Uruguay’s second in the 53rd minute, his corner appearing to hit Araujo’s shoulder before looping high into the net.

Alvarez pulled a goal back midway through the half, and had another good chance in stoppage time but Uruguay closed out the win.

(With inputs from AFP)

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What was the result of Argentina’s first match after Lionel Messi’s international retirement?

Argentina suffered a 2-1 defeat against Uruguay in their first match following Lionel Messi’s international retirement.

Who scored Argentina’s only goal in their 2-1 loss to Uruguay?

Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez scored Argentina’s only goal in the 73rd minute to give them hope of a comeback.

How many caps and goals did Lionel Messi record during his international career?

Lionel Messi ended his glittering international career with 207 caps and 125 goals for Argentina.

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Harshit BishtSenior Sub-editor

Harshit Bisht is a sports journalist at CNN-News18, where he has been covering cricket, football, and major sporting events from around the world since July 1, 2024. Driven by a passion for storytelli…Read More

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