Argentina’s undefeated run since winning the World Cup could not be extended by Lionel Messi. Uruguay defeated Argentina 2-0 in a World Cup qualifying match at La Bombonera Stadium in Buenos Aires on Thursday, their biggest win under new coach Marcelo Bielsa. Argentina had not lost a competitive match since its World Cup group-stage opening against Saudi Arabia last year in Qatar.
For the first time since Argentina won the World Cup, coach Lionel Scaloni seemed nervous as his midfielders failed to stop Uruguay’s wingers. His players didn’t heed the call and their punishment came in the 42nd minute when Matias Viña stole the ball from Nahuel Molina and skillfully crossed into the penalty box. Ronald Araújo smashed the ball into the net.
Nnez scored on a counter-attack in the 87th minute after the Uruguayan defense stopped Messi at the outside of the box.
“We never felt comfortable in this match,” Messi stated. He added, “Uruguay is a physical team, they have good teamwork. It is always like that against them.”
Argentina is still on top of the 10-team South American qualification group, with 12 points from five games. Uruguay is in second place with 10 points. Colombia has nine, whereas Venezuela has eight.