ANKARA
Lionel Messi-led Argentina on Thursday suffered a 2-0 home loss to Uruguay in a 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualifier – their first defeat since Qatar 2022.
Uruguayan defender Ronald Araujo scored the opening goal in the first half before Liverpool star Darwin Nunez doubled the gap near the end of the match at Buenos Aires’ Bombonera Stadium, ending Argentina’s 14-match unbeaten streak.
In Nov. 2022, Saudi Arabia beat Argentina 2-1 in their 2022 World Cup opener, a sensational victory for the Gulf nation.
Argentina are on the top of the CONMEBOL qualifiers standings with four wins and one loss.
Uruguay are in the second position with 10 points.
In the next fixture, Argentina will visit Brazil on Tuesday.
In another qualifier on Thursday, fifth-place Brazil lost to Colombia 2-1 in an away match.
Gabriel Martinelli scored an early goal for Brazil, but Colombia’s Luis Diaz scored two consecutive goals in the second half.
The 2026 World Cup will be held in Canada, Mexico, and the US.
