Argentina Face Uruguay with a Revamped Lineup in First Match Without Messi

Argentina face Uruguay at La Bombonera without Lionel Messi, in their first match in his absence, with coach Lionel Scaloni opting for a revamped starting lineup. The source describes the game as a friendly and does not mention the result.

The lineup included Gerónimo Rulli in goal, with Gonzalo Montiel, Leonardo Balerdi, Lisandro Martínez and Facundo Medina in front of him. Exequiel Palacios, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández and Nicolás Paz played in midfield, while Julián Álvarez and Thiago Almada led the attack. The report noted that there were younger players in the squad, including Agustín Giay and Gianluca Prestianni.

Argentina’s first match at La Bombonera dates back to 1956. Before this match, the national team had played 38 games there, winning 25, drawing 10 and losing 3. In official meetings between the two national teams, the source said Argentina had won 24 times to Uruguay’s 18, with 9 draws.

Results in the last five meetings favored Argentina, who won four and lost one. Their most recent victory was a 1-0 win on March 21, 2025, with Thiago Almada scoring the goal, while Uruguay won 2-0 at La Bombonera in November 2023.