Lionel Messi could not help Argentina extend their unbeaten run since winning the 2022 World Cup and after the loss to Uruguay, he pointed out the reasons for his team's defeat.
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| Lionel Messi in Argentina's defeat to Uruguay. (Source: AFP) |
Messi spoke after Argentina's 0-2 loss to Uruguay in the 5th round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in South America: "Everyone can see the mark of coach Marco Bielsa in Uruguay's playing style. At the national team or club level, his style is very recognizable. And he has an excellent generation of Uruguayan players."
The Uruguayan team caused a shock when they defeated Argentina right at their opponent's home field, La Bombonera Stadium in the capital Buenos Aires, in a match that took place on the morning of November 17 (Vietnam time).
Ronan Araujo opened the scoring for the visitors Uruguay in the 41st minute of the match and Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez sealed a 2-0 win in the 81st minute.
The result handed Argentina their first international defeat since losing their opening World Cup group game against Saudi Arabia last year.
In contrast, Uruguay marked the first time they beat Argentina in a World Cup qualifier away from home and ended Lionel Scaloni's 25-match unbeaten run in World Cup qualifiers.
Despite the loss, Argentina are still leading the table with 12 points, two points ahead of second-placed Uruguay after five matches.
"Uruguay are a strong team and it was difficult for us to play our way. They have physical and quick players in midfield. We never felt comfortable and could not find a way to keep the ball throughout the game.
So the match was fast-paced and we got caught up in that," Messi praised Uruguay's style of play which forced the home team Argentina to "convinced" defeat.
After this defeat, Argentina will have an important match with rival Brazil on November 22 in the 6th round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in South America.
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