Argentina suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Uruguay in an international friendly on Saturday, struggling to make an impact in their first match without Lionel Messi.
The world champions created several promising opportunities in the first half but failed to convert them, before two costly defensive moments early in the second half put Uruguay firmly in control.
Argentina Miss First-Half Opportunities
Despite playing without Messi, Argentina started brightly and threatened Uruguay's goal on several occasions.
Julian Alvarez came close in the eighth minute, forcing an important save from Uruguay goalkeeper Cristopher Fiermarin. Thiago Almada also had an opportunity, but his effort was cleared off the goal line.
Argentina went into the half-time break with the score still goalless, having failed to turn their attacking opportunities into goals.
Uruguay Score Twice After the Break
Uruguay took the lead just three minutes into the second half when Argentina defender Leonardo Balerdi inadvertently headed a free kick into his own net in the 48th minute.
The visitors increased their advantage five minutes later through Maximiliano Araujo, who rose above the defence to head home a corner delivered by Giorgian de Arrascaeta.
The two quick goals left Argentina facing an uphill battle as Uruguay capitalised on their defensive weaknesses.
Alvarez Gives Argentina Hope
Argentina responded with greater attacking urgency and eventually found a way back into the contest in the 73rd minute.
Gianluca Prestianni provided the assist for Alvarez, who finished first time from inside the penalty area to reduce the deficit to 2-1.
The goal gave Argentina renewed hope, and Lionel Scaloni's side pushed forward in search of an equaliser.
However, Uruguay goalkeeper Fiermarin and his defence remained organised, denying Argentina a late breakthrough despite attempts involving Nicolas Paz, Balerdi and Alvarez.
The match ended after six minutes of added time, confirming a 2-1 victory for Uruguay.
Uruguay Take the Victory as Argentina Face Questions
The result represented a disappointing outing for Argentina in their first match without Messi, while Uruguay demonstrated their ability to punish defensive mistakes and protect a second-half advantage.
For Argentina, the defeat will raise questions about how the team can maintain its attacking effectiveness without its long-time talisman. Uruguay, meanwhile, will take confidence from a strong second-half performance.
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