Uruguay beats Argentina 2-1 in post-Messi friendly

Argentina lost 2-1 to Uruguay in a friendly marking the national team’s first match since Lionel Messi retired from international football. Uruguay took the lead through Leonardo Balerdi’s own goal early in the second half, then doubled it when a Maxi Araújo effort went in; Julián Álvarez pulled one back, but Argentina could not equalize. Argentina struggled to create chances without Messi, while the match also gave both teams opportunities to field newer players. The result highlights the challenge facing coach Lionel Scaloni as Argentina begins its transition after Messi’s long and influential career.