No number 10 jersey, stands not full: Messi-less Argentina stumble at first hurdle

Argentina's first match in the post-Lionel Messi era ended in defeat, with Uruguay beating the world champions 2-1 in an international friendly at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires on Friday.Playing their first match since Messi's retirement from international football in early October, Argentina were unable to begin the new chapter with a win under coach Lionel Scaloni.Uruguay took the lead in the 48th minute through an own goal by Leonardo Balerdi. Five minutes later, Maximiliano Araújo doubled the visitors' advantage under new coach Diego Forlán.Julián Álvarez pulled one back for Argentina in the 73rd minute, but the hosts could not find an equaliser.The match, known as the clásico rioplatense, marked the beginning of a new phase for Argentina following Messi's international retirement. Scaloni, who led the team to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title, extended his contract until 2030 earlier this week.Messi's absence was the biggest talking point ahead of the match. The 39-year-old brought an end to his international career last month after an emotional farewell friendly against Benin, having represented Argentina in 207 matches and scored 125 goals.The impact of his absence was also visible in the stands, with La Bombonera falling short of a sellout crowd, something rarely seen during Argentina matches.Although most supporters wore Argentina's traditional blue-and-white jersey with Messi's No. 10 on the back, Scaloni decided not to give the shirt number to another player. The coach said he was yet to decide who would succeed Messi and preferred to leave the number vacant for now, as there was no obligation to assign it.On the field, Argentina continued to dominate possession but lacked the attacking threat and creativity that Messi brought to the team in the final third. Neither Nicolás Paz nor Thiago Almada managed to fill that gap.Argentina will look to return to winning ways when they face Costa Rica in Córdoba on Tuesday. Uruguay, meanwhile, will host the Dominican Republic on the same day.