Argentina began the post-Lionel Messi era with a defeat, losing 2-1 to Uruguay in a friendly at La Bombonera stadium in Buenos Aires. The match, part of the final international break of the year, saw all three goals come after the interval in the latest edition of the 'Rio de la Plata' derby.

Match details

Argentina defender Leonardo Balerdi scored an own goal in the 48th minute to put the visitors ahead. Before the hosts could recover from that setback, Uruguay midfielder Maximiliano Araujo doubled the lead in the 53rd minute. Argentina managed to pull one goal back but could not find an equaliser.

A half-empty stadium

The La Bombonera stadium has a capacity of just over 58,000, with most of the third tier closed. Ticket prices for special seats were reduced by 40 percent for this match, yet nearly half of the stands remained empty, a sight many observers attributed to the shock of Messi's retirement.

Scaloni's new chapter begins with a loss

The defeat also marked a losing start for Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni following his new contract extension until the 2030 World Cup. Attention now turns to how the team will reshape itself in the post-Messi era.