Uruguay Beat Lionel Messi’s Argentina with 2-0 Victory in World Cup Qualifier

Uruguay beat Lionel Messi’s Argentina with 2-0 Victory in world cup qualifier at Buenos Aires’ iconic Bombonera stadium.

The gritty Uruguayan team showcased dominance throughout the match, netting goals in each half courtesy of Ronald Araújo and Darwin Núñez.

This victory propelled Uruguay to second place in the World Cup qualifying standings, clinching 10 points and trailing Argentina by a mere two points.

It marks Argentina’s initial setback in five South American qualifiers, ending their undefeated streak post the 2022 World Cup.

In the post-match reflections, Messi acknowledged Uruguay’s intensity, expressing the difficulty in controlling the game against their physically adept and swift midfielders. He highlighted the rapid pace of play that disrupted Argentina’s usual style.

As Uruguay Beat Lionel Messi’s argentina, this win marks the first time Uruguay, under new head coach Marcelo Bielsa, has conquered Argentina in an away World Cup qualifying encounter.

Messi credited Bielsa’s evident influence on Uruguay’s gameplay, observing his distinct style that resonates across national teams and clubs.

For Messi, this match halted a remarkable streak of nine consecutive starts for Argentina with a goal, marking the first time he failed to score in a game he started since the World Cup group stage against Poland in November 2022.

Uruguay’s victory in World Cup Qualifier, Messi views this loss as a test, emphasizing the need for Argentina to rise and perform at their best in the upcoming match against Brazil.

Elsewhere in the qualifiers, Colombia ranks third with nine points, while Venezuela, held to a goalless draw by Ecuador, follows closely behind. Ecuador is one point adrift of Brazil, positioned fifth on seven points.

The match played at Alberto José Armando (La Bombonera) in Buenos Aires on November 17, 2023, was officiated by referee Wilmer Roldán.

Information sourced from Reuters