The big question is what will happen to the Argentine national football team the moment Lionel Messi says, “That’s it, I’m retiring.” It’s hard to even imagine Argentina without Messi, but last night they managed to defeat their great rival, Uruguay, away from home with a score of 1-0 (0-0).Messi has been dealing with an adductor issue, so the Gauchos’ camp doesn’t want to take any risks in order to preserve the Inter Miami star for next year, where he will lead his team as captain in defending the “Goddess” trophy.No Messi, no problem. Argentina get the 1-0 win in Uruguay in World Cup qualifying 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/GGESf6PwcJ— B/R Football (@brfootball) March 22, 2025 Before this match, Uruguay was on a six-game unbeaten streak at home, but that run has now come to an end. After a true snoozefest in the first half, the second half brought everything that South American football represents—brilliant moves, feisty tackles, near-brawls, but also moments of magic from both sides.However, Argentina’s quality became evident at a crucial moment. The Gauchos pressed their rivals hard, and it was only a matter of time before they scored. That moment came in the 68th minute when Julian Alvarez passed the ball to Thiago Almada, and the Olympique Lyon midfielder set himself up beautifully before perfectly placing a shot from around 20 meters past Sergio Rochet.🚨🇦🇷 WHAT A FANTASTIC GOAL FROM THIAGO ALMADA AGAINST URUGUAY! 😳pic.twitter.com/LNWiu3LbRM— Tekkers Foot (@tekkersfoot) March 22, 2025 Uruguay had to go on the attack, and they did, but they failed to create a single clear-cut chance. In the 95th minute, Nico Gonzalez clumsily went for the ball and fouled Nahitan Nandez. He received a red card, but the extra man didn’t help Marcelo Bielsa’s team, as there was no time left to push for an equalizer.With this win, Argentina sits at the top of the CONMEBOL qualifiers table with 28 points and is almost guaranteed a spot in the World Cup. In the next round, they will face Brazil in what will be another classic showdown for the Gauchos.Emiliano Martínez after Thiago Almada’s goal for Argentina. 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/Widvax1J1I— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) March 22, 2025 Uruguay is currently fourth with 20 points and will take on Bolivia in three days.2026 WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS – SOUTH AMERICARound 13FridayParaguay – Chile 1-0 (0-0)/Alderete 60/Brazil – Colombia 2-1 (1-1)/Raphinha 6 (p), Vinicius 90+9 – Diaz 41/Peru – Bolivia 3-1 (2-0)/Polo 37, Guerrero 45, Flores 82 – Miquelito 58 (p)/SaturdayEcuador – Venezuela 2-1 (1-0)/Valencia 39, 46 – Cadiz 90+1/Uruguay – Argentina 0-1 (0-0)/Almada 68/
