Argentina 0 – 2 Uruguay: Player Rating as Argentina dealt first loss in months

A goal in each half was enough for Uruguay to stun Argentina at La Bombonera and hand the world champions their first defeat since the 2022 World Cup.

While it was Argentina in the opening 40 minutes, Uruguay stunned the home crowd in the final minutes of the first half by taking the lead at the break.

A great cross across the goal from Matías Viña caught Ronald Araújo, who fired at the back post.

Leo Messi looked to have a chance to equalize after the break, but his free-kick from the edge of the box rang off the crossbar and flew high over the bar.

Argentina pressed forward in search of an equalizer but were thwarted by a superb pass to release Darwin Núñez from the back, who fired with only the keeper to seal all three points for the visitors.

The impressive result for Uruguay means they move into second place in the table, two points behind leaders Argentina.

Argentina Player Rating

Emiliano Martinez (6/10): Such a long streak of shut downs. The opening goal was the first Martinez conceded to Argentina since the World Cup final and he may want it back, even if the defense let him down.

Nicolas Tagliafico (6/10): Steady as always from the left back position. You might think he could have done more to help the first goal, but Argentina panicked when Molina lost the ball.

Nicolas Otamendi (6/10): He was solid enough but showed some signs of his age in this one as he looked a bit off the pace at times.

Cristian Romero (7/10): A very good performance from the Spurs defender who did a bit of everything on the day. Moved the ball well, one back, had a chance to score… overall one of the few who had a good day.

Nahuel Molina (5/10): The rough will give away the order of the objectives, and that’s something you just can’t do at this level.

Enzo Fernandez (7/10): The most efficient midfielder, although that doesn’t say much. There’s a reason he was the only one of the three to go the full 90, after all.

Alexis McAllister (6/10): He wasn’t great during his 45-minute run. He was subbed off at half-time on a yellow card to bring more firepower in Lautaro Martinez.

Rodrigo de Paul (5/10): A somewhat anonymous performance by Messi’s bodyguard, apart from Maxi Araujo seemingly getting injured.

Nicolas Gonzalez (5/10): Silence once more. Not much could be created off the dribble and passes were everywhere. Not the best showing for a player who has been given several chances to take on the role.

Julian Alvarez (6/10): I didn’t see nearly enough of the ball for him to make an impact. He only had one shot, which won’t seem close enough to a striker of his caliber.

Lionel Messi (7/10): He rattled the bar once and created several other chances that Argentina failed to convert. A good performance, sure, but not the heroic one Argentina needed.

• Subs and Manager

  Lautaro Martinez (6/10): Brought in to add a bit more juice to the attack. Had one shot on target, but little else.

  Angel Di Maria (6/10): Came on early in the second half and had a few dangerous crosses that couldn’t quite lead to anything.

  Exequiel Palacios (7/10): Moved the ball well and added a bit to midfield after replacing De Paul.

  Giovani Lo Celso (N/A): Came on a bit too late to change the game.

  Marcos Acuna (N/A): Arrived too late to make an impact.

  Lionel Scaloni (6/10): You can’t criticize him too much considering all Argentina have achieved, can you? Feels like the substitute could have been better, but they were bound to lose some time, especially against a team as tough as Uruguay.