38 days after the highly emotional farewell to icon Lionel Messi, Argentina have embarked on a new era – and started it with a defeat.
The images were still fresh in the minds of Argentinians. Messi bid farewell to the big international stage with a truly spectacular performance in the 3–0 win over Benin. Now, after years of immense success, the Albiceleste are finally on their own – without their exceptional star.
The first match of the post-Messi era was immediately a true litmus test. At the legendary Bombonera, home to Boca Juniors, Argentina took on their Uruguayan rivals shortly after national team manager Lionel Scaloni’s contract had been extended (until 2030).
The hosts got off to a good start; following a fine through ball into the channel, Alvarez had the first clear-cut chance – but the Atlético striker was denied by goalkeeper Fiermarin (8’). The favourites continued to work hard to take the lead, but time and again they lacked the necessary precision in the final third.
After the break, Uruguay stepped up their game and managed to break free from the pressure much more effectively. A set-piece then gave them what was, at that stage, a fortunate lead: following a free-kick, Lisandro Martinez headed into his team-mate Balerdi amidst the scramble – the ball rebounded off the Roma defender and into his own net (48).
Darwin is slowly finding his form – Paz misses with a powerful effort
After that, former Liverpool striker Darwin in particular repeatedly caused headaches for the home side’s defence. Four minutes after falling behind, however, it was the team’s star hope, Paz, who came close, but his powerful curling shot flew over the bar.
From the 53rd minute onwards, however, Argentina found themselves with their backs against the wall, as Sporting’s driving force Maxi Araujo met a corner at the near post with a wildly curving header that found the far corner to make it 2–0.
What followed was an open exchange of attacks, with both teams creating chances – Argentina against a deep-lying block, Uruguay on the counter-attack. Alvarez eventually struck next, skilfully placing the ball against the inside of the right-hand post, from where it bounced into the net (73).
The Argentines pushed for an equaliser, but in their first match without Messi, they did indeed leave the pitch as losers. The Albiceleste will be looking to make amends as early as Tuesday, when they face Costa Rica.