Set-pieces earn Uruguay victory over Argentina in Scaloni’s post-Messi test

Argentina began a new international era with defeat as Uruguay secured a 2-0 victory at La Bombonera in Lionel Scaloni’s first match since extending his contract until 2030.

The match was Argentina’s first without Lionel Messi and offered little in the way of entertainment or quality, apart from a late attacking surge led by Prestianni. Uruguay repeated its victory at Boca Juniors’ stadium from 2023, with two fortunate set-piece goals settling a contest played in front of a limited crowd.

Under Forlan, who is close to establishing himself as Uruguay’s manager, the visitors initially looked eager to control possession and dictate the tempo. Their approach, however, soon lost its effect as they lacked creativity and failed to provide the players capable of taking responsibility in attack.

Argentina required fewer opportunities to threaten. Julian Alvarez came close with a low effort that Viermarin saved impressively, while Enzo Fernandez and Medina both tested the goalkeeper from distance. Viermarin remained composed and dealt confidently with the attempts.

With Messi no longer available, Argentina’s players are expected to assume greater collective responsibility. Individual moments of outstanding quality can still decide even contests such as this one, but Paz, Almada and their team-mates struggled to find a way through Uruguay’s well-organised defence.

Uruguay failed to register a shot on target in the first half, yet still took the lead. Lisandro cleared a set-piece, but the ball struck Valverde in the face and changed direction into the net, giving the visitors an advantage without altering their shooting statistics.

Uruguay doubled its lead from another dead-ball situation after the interval. Araujo attempted to redirect a corner at the near post, but the ball made contact with an area between the back of his head and his neck. The unexpected deflection sent it into the goal beyond the reach of the Argentina players.

The pattern changed when Prestianni came on, with Argentina increasing the pace of its attacks in the opposition half. The winger immediately took charge, repeatedly creating openings and restoring tension to the match in the 72nd minute.

Prestianni carried the ball forward on the left before finding Julian Alvarez, who finished expertly with the inside of his foot to reduce the deficit and give Argentina hope of a comeback.

That momentum faded in the closing stages. Argentina’s attacking rhythm dropped, while Uruguay regained its intensity and pressed strongly after introducing several substitutes in the second half. Viermarin was not seriously tested again, allowing Uruguay to complete an important victory and strengthen its return to winning ways.