Argentina vs Uruguay ended in a 2-1 victory for Uruguay on Friday, November 13, 2026, as the South American rivals met in an international friendly at Estadio Alberto José Armando. Uruguay scored twice early in the second half before Julián Álvarez pulled one back for Argentina, but the hosts could not complete their comeback.
The match was particularly significant because it marked Argentina’s first appearance following Lionel Messi’s retirement from international football. Without their legendary captain, the Argentina national football team faced a difficult challenge against a disciplined Uruguay side led by new manager Diego Forlán.
Leonardo Balerdi’s own goal and Maxi Araújo’s strike gave Uruguay a two-goal advantage, while Álvarez scored Argentina’s only goal in the 73rd minute.
Argentina vs Uruguay Match Result and Goals
Uruguay defeated Argentina 2-1 after a goalless first half. All three goals arrived in the second half, with the visitors taking control through two quick goals.
Final Score: Argentina 1-2 Uruguay
- Argentina: Julián Álvarez (73′)
- Uruguay: Leonardo Balerdi own goal (48′)
- Uruguay: Maxi Araújo (53′)
The first half finished 0-0, with Argentina controlling possession but struggling to create clear scoring opportunities against Uruguay’s defensive organization.
Nico Paz produced one of Argentina’s best opportunities before halftime, but Uruguay goalkeeper Cristopher Fiermarin made an important save.
Leonardo Balerdi Own Goal Gives Uruguay the Lead
The opening goal of Argentina vs. Uruguay arrived three minutes after the restart.
Uruguay earned a free-kick from the left, and Giorgian de Arrascaeta delivered the ball into a dangerous area. Argentina defender Lisandro Martínez attempted to clear it with a header, but the ball struck his teammate Leonardo Balerdi and ended up inside Argentina’s net.
The unfortunate own goal gave Uruguay a 1-0 advantage in the 48th minute.
Balerdi became one of the central talking points of the match after the defensive incident put Argentina under immediate pressure.
Maxi Araújo Doubles Uruguay’s Advantage
Uruguay extended its lead just five minutes after the opening goal.
De Arrascaeta once again played an important role, delivering a corner that reached Maxi Araújo. The ball appeared to make contact with Araújo’s shoulder before looping over the goalkeeper and into the net.
The goal in the 53rd minute made the score 2-0 and put Uruguay in a strong position.
It was another difficult moment for Argentina, which had enjoyed significantly more possession but struggled to turn its control of the ball into goals.
Julián Álvarez Gives Argentina Hope
Argentina responded in the 73rd minute through Atlético Madrid striker Julián Álvarez.
Giovani Prestianni provided the assist, setting up Álvarez for a finish that reduced Uruguay’s advantage to 2-1.
The goal gave Argentina renewed hope of rescuing a result, and the hosts continued pushing forward during the closing stages.
Álvarez had another opportunity in stoppage time, but Uruguay managed to protect its lead and secure the victory.
Argentina vs Uruguay Match Statistics
Despite losing the match, Argentina dominated several statistical categories, particularly possession, passing and attacking activity.
| Match statistics | Argentina | Uruguay |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 71.6% | 28.4% |
| Total shots | 17 | 6 |
| Shots on target | 6 | 3 |
| Shots off target | 5 | 2 |
| Goalkeeper saves | 2 | 5 |
| Corners | 6 | 3 |
| Total passes | 746 | 289 |
| Passing accuracy | 90.3% | 76.5% |
| Fouls | 10 | 11 |
| Yellow cards | 3 | 3 |
| Clearances | 13 | 18 |
| Tackles | 18 | 22 |
Argentina also recorded 28 touches inside Uruguay’s penalty area, compared with eight for the visitors.
These numbers highlighted the difference between possession and efficiency. Argentina controlled much of the match, but Uruguay made its attacking opportunities count.
Argentina National Football Team vs Uruguay National Football Team Lineups
The starting lineups were an important talking point ahead of the international friendly, particularly because Argentina were playing without Lionel Messi following his retirement from international football.
The match also offered an opportunity to assess the teams’ attacking and defensive combinations ahead of their future international commitments.
The key players highlighted in the match included:
Argentina: Julián Álvarez, Nico Paz, Leonardo Balerdi, Lisandro Martínez and Giovani Prestianni.
Uruguay: Maxi Araújo, Giorgian de Arrascaeta and goalkeeper Cristopher Fiermarin.
The available match information confirms the major contributors and goal involvements, although it does not provide a complete starting XI or substitute list.
Messi’s Retirement Makes Argentina Defeat More Significant
The Argentina national football team entered this friendly facing a new chapter after Lionel Messi’s international retirement.
Messi reportedly played his final match for Argentina in an emotional farewell friendly against Benin the previous month. His international career ended after 207 appearances and 125 goals.
His absence was noticeable against Uruguay, as Argentina struggled to break down a compact defensive setup.
Although players such as Álvarez and Prestianni showed attacking potential, replacing Messi’s influence will be a major challenge for Argentina as the team prepares for its next competitive commitments.
Uruguay vs Argentina: Diego Forlán Celebrates Another Victory
The victory was also significant for Uruguay manager Diego Forlán, who secured his third win since taking charge of the national team.
Uruguay demonstrated that it could remain dangerous even without dominating possession. Its defensive organization, ability to capitalize on set pieces and effectiveness in front of goal proved important.
Forlán will take encouragement from the performance, particularly the contributions of De Arrascaeta and Araújo.
For Uruguay, beating Argentina in a high-profile South American friendly provides a positive result as the team continues developing under its new manager.
Where to Watch Argentina National Football Team vs Uruguay National Football Team?
Fans searching for where to watch Argentina national football team vs Uruguay national football team should check their local sports broadcasters and official streaming platforms for international friendly coverage.
Broadcast availability can vary depending on the country and television rights.
Viewers can also follow match information, scores, statistics and team updates through platforms such as ESPN and BBC Sport.
For future Argentina vs Uruguay meetings, checking the official broadcaster listings closer to kickoff is the best way to confirm the available television channel or streaming service.
What Comes Next for Argentina and Uruguay?
The 2-1 result gives Uruguay a positive outcome from an important international friendly, while Argentina will look to learn from its performance.
Argentina showed that it can control possession and create attacking opportunities, but its defensive mistakes and lack of finishing efficiency proved costly.
Uruguay, meanwhile, demonstrated its ability to remain organized, defend under pressure and capitalize on key moments.
The latest Argentina vs Uruguay meeting also marked an important milestone for Argentine football, with the national team beginning its next chapter after Messi’s international retirement.
For both countries, the match provided valuable preparation and another chapter in one of South America’s most closely followed football rivalries.
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