Uruguay sinks Argentina 2-0; ends 14-match unbeaten streak
Argentina hadn’t lost a competitive match since its group-stage opener against Saudi Arabia during last year’s World Cup in Qatar.
Lionel Messi leaves the field after Argentina’s 14-match unbeaten run was ended by Uruguay in the qualifiers
BUENOS AIRES: The Lionel Messi-led Argentina side lost 2-0 to Uruguay in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers at the Bombonera stadium thanks to goals from Ronald Araujo and Darwin Nunez in each half.
Uruguay was superior from beginning to end and, with the victory, moved up to second place in the standings with 10 points, two points behind leaders Argentina who have lost their first point after winning the first four games. Darwin Núnez nearly opened the scoring with a shot in the 10th minute after a mistake by defender Nicolás Otamendi.
Argentina hadn’t lost a competitive match since its group-stage opener against Saudi Arabia during last year’s World Cup in Qatar. This was the first time Argentina conceded a goal after the FIFA World Cup 2022 final win against France.
Núnez scored in the 87th minute on a counter after the Uruguayan defence stopped Messi at the edge of its box.
Argentina still leads the 10-team South American qualifying group with 12 points from five matches. Uruguay is second with 10 points. Colombia has nine and Venezuela eight. Brazil will host the World Cup champions Argentina at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday. Brazil are fifth in the standings with seven points.
"We never felt comfortable in this match,” Messi said. “Uruguay is a physical team, they have good teamwork. It is always like that against them.”
Messi’s close friend Luis Suárez, who just returned to the Uruguayan national team, did not play. In the previous round of World Cup qualifying, Uruguay beat Brazil by the same score in Montevideo. Its next match will be against Bolivia.
