Despite missing their superstar Lionel Messi, the Argentina national football team pulled off a narrow victory against Uruguay in the qualifying match for the 2026 FIFA World Cup held on March 22, 2025. The match, which took place at the iconic Estadio Centenario in Montevideo, ended with a score of 1-0 in favor of Argentina, thanks to a stunning goal from Thiago Almada.
Almada, a talented midfielder playing for Olympique Lyon, found the net in the 68th minute with a powerful shot from outside the penalty area, placing the ball into the far corner. This moment was crucial for Argentina, who faced the challenge of playing without their captain and most prominent player, Lionel Messi. The superstar, who leads the scoring charts in the World Cup qualifiers with six goals, was sidelined due to muscle discomfort and will also miss Argentina's highly anticipated match against Brazil next week in Buenos Aires.
Before the match, the absence of Messi raised concerns among fans and analysts regarding Argentina's ability to perform against a formidable opponent like Uruguay. However, the team led by coach Lionel Scaloni showcased impressive resilience and functionality on the pitch. With this victory in Montevideo, Argentina maintained its remarkable status atop the South American qualification standings with a total of 28 points.
The current standings in the qualification show Ecuador trailing with 22 points, Brazil with 21, and Uruguay at 20 points. Argentina’s performance has been nothing short of spectacular, with the team having achieved eight wins, one draw, and three losses throughout the qualifying rounds. Their strong offensive and backline efforts have allowed them to boast a goal difference of 21:7, demonstrating the discipline and skill that has characterized them as the defending World Cup champions.
On the other hand, Uruguay, under the management of Marcelo Bielsa since May 2023, has enjoyed a solid qualification campaign as well, albeit with mixed outcomes. In their last six matches, they have only managed one victory, juxtaposed against four draws and one defeat, a disappointing 0-1 loss to Peru. This situation puts pressure on the Uruguayan side as they aim to solidify their ambitions for a spot at the 2026 World Cup.
As the match progressed, it was clear that both teams were playing cautiously, possibly due to the high stakes associated with the rivalry that exists between them. Historically, the matchups between these two South American giants date back many years, with Argentina leading the head-to-head statistics with 93 wins, 59 losses, and 48 draws. The outcome of this encounter serves as a reminder of the competitive nature and strategic depth each side possesses.
Looking ahead, Argentina will now shift their focus to the looming challenge against Brazil, a contest that is always intense and fraught with emotion. Having recently defeated Brazil in the Copa America finals, Argentina will undoubtedly seek to maintain their dominance in South American football, even in the absence of their talisman, Messi.
The implications of Messi’s absence will be keenly felt, but the team's depth and spirit might provide an interesting twist for the next match. Meanwhile, Uruguay must regroup and refine their strategies as they prepare for their upcoming matches, striving to rectify their form and push for a positive outcome in the remaining qualifiers.
The excitement surrounding the World Cup qualifiers is palpable; as the tournament draws closer, each match brings teams a step closer to their World Cup dreams. Fans on both sides will be hoping for fervent performances as Argentina and Uruguay continue on their paths toward qualification.
