Argentina's first match in the post-Lionel Messi era ended in defeat, with Uruguay beating the world champions 2-1 in an international friendly at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires on Friday.
Playing their first match since Messi's retirement from international football in early October, Argentina were unable to begin the new chapter with a win under coach Lionel Scaloni.
Uruguay took the lead in the 48th minute through an own goal by Leonardo Balerdi. Five minutes later, Maximiliano Araújo doubled the visitors' advantage under new coach Diego Forlán.
Julián Álvarez pulled one back for Argentina in the 73rd minute, but the hosts could not find an equaliser.
The match, known as the clásico rioplatense, marked the beginning of a new phase for Argentina following Messi's international retirement. Scaloni, who led the team to the 2022
FIFA World Cup title, extended his contract until 2030 earlier this week.
Messi's absence was the biggest talking point ahead of the match. The 39-year-old brought an end to his international career last month after an emotional farewell friendly against Benin, having represented Argentina in 207…