Argentina lose 2-1 vs. Uruguay, Julián Álvarez scores in first match post Lionel Messi

Julián Álvarez scored for the Argentina national team in their 2-1 loss against Uruguay, Argentina’s first match in the post Lionel Messi era.

The post Lionel Messi era is underway for the Argentina national team and it was a 2-1 loss against Uruguay on Friday. Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni fielded a slightly different starting eleven from one that we have seen in recent matches.

Gerónimo Rulli started in place of Emiliano Martínez as the goalkeeper. Gonzalo Montiel, Leonardo Balerdi, Lisandro Martínez and Facundo Medina were the defenders and in front of them were Enzo, Alexis Mac Allister and Nico Paz.

In attack it was Julián Álvarez and Thiago Almada. The first chance of the match fell to Alvarez but his effort was saved by the goalkeeper.

Uruguay would score the first goal of the match. A cross into the penalty area and not a great clearance from Balerdi as he scored an own goal. Moments later, it was another cross into the penalty area and Maximiliano Araújo scored to give Uruguay the 2-0 lead.

With Uruguay leading 2-0, Gianluca Prestianni played a pass into the penalty area which found Álvarez and he scored Argentina’s only goal of the match.

Lionel Scaloni’s team were unable to get an equalizer and lose 2-1 against Uruguay. The Argentina national team will play Costa Rica on Tuesday.