Argentina begin the post-Lionel Messi era with a friendly against new-look Uruguay on Friday in Buenos Aires.
Messi has called time on his legendary career for Argentina, having taken the field for the Albiceleste for the final time last month. Now the focus turns to how Lionel Scaloni, who recently signed a new contract through 2030, and Argentina can build a new identity without Messi. The aim is to reach a third straight World Cup final with a wave of talented youngsters leading the charge.
It is also a fresh start for Uruguay. Legendary striker Diego Forlan is now in charge after Marcelo Bielsa stepped down following a disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign. Uruguay were knocked out at the group stage after picking up just two points from three games.
How to watch Argentina vs. Uruguay
Kick-off: 6 p.m. ET Friday, November 13
Venue: La Bombonera, Buenos Aires, Argentina
TV/stream: ViX
Argentina team news
Julian Alvarez, Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernandez are tasked with stepping up collectively in big moments and filling the void left by Messi’s departure. Argentina have plenty of new players, and it will be intriguing to see how the team changes without Messi.
Uruguay team news
Forlan has made an okay start. Uruguay lost their first game under him to Japan, then followed up with wins against South Korea and India. The squad has plenty of experience, and Jose Gimenez, Federico Valverde, Rodrigo Bentancur and Darwin Nunez are all expected to lead this new cycle.
Argentina vs. Uruguay prediction
This should be a fun game. Uruguay should hang in there, but Argentina will have a little too much firepower off the bench in attack. Prediction: Argentina 3-2 Uruguay.