The South American World Cup qualifying match will provide an unusual reunion for Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, two former Barcelona teammates. The Gremio forward recently discussed their reunion, despite the fact that they are no longer colleagues in Catalan.
He was overjoyed when we spoke. Leo frequently questioned me about my decision to leave the national team or keep playing. I’m glad to be back on the team now, and it feels especially good to face Messi again. – Suarez posted on the Uruguayan Football Federation’s official information channel.
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At the summit reunion featuring Messi, Luis Suarez made an official appearance 356185
Messi and Suarez will get back together, but they won’t be playing together up front. Citation: Getty
The former striker for Barcelona and Liverpool still wants to help the Uruguayan team, even though he is not at his best anymore.
As with the prior call-ups, I’m never entirely sure how I feel. Even after several months, I still adore the Uruguayan squad. It’s the experience of performing to the applause of the audience. Participants, have fun and defend your teammates.
Naturally, Darwin Nunez, the player known by the moniker “El Pistolero,” is a worthy successor to Suarez should he decide to retire from the team.
“I previously met with Darwin in Qatar; he is playing really well and has a lot of promise. As a fellow team member, I’m not shocked. Darwin had a difficult time at Liverpool last year, but don’t worry, everything will work out.
Messi was a bust, and Argentina had no answers.
After losing 1-2 to Saudi Arabia in the first group stage match of the 2022 World Cup Finals, Argentina had gone 13 games without a loss. Argentina’s defense was so good in the eight games before their match against Uruguay that no goals were scored against them. Argentina’s effectiveness played a big part in their success in winning the 2022 World Cup and taking the lead in the South American 2026 World Cup qualifiers after four games with a winning record.
Uruguay, however, has demonstrated that they are a strong opponent. Uruguay won their last meeting with Argentina 2-0, so they are pretty sure that they can pull off an unexpected victory.
Messi’s awful performance cost Argentina dearly in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers for South America. Image: SPORT
Home-field advantage aside, Argentina fielded the strongest team, captained by superstar Lionel Messi and including quality supporting players in MacAllister, Alvarez, Gonzalez, and Fernandez. For Uruguay, Nenez fills in for the experienced Luis Suarez while he is injured.
Argentina took the lead in the first half because they controlled the ball better. Uruguay places a high priority on defense and won’t hesitate to play aggressively when necessary. Argentina had difficulty reaching the opponent’s goal due to the close play made by Uruguayan players, especially captain Valverde. Messi failed in his attempts to have an effect with long shots and free kicks.
In the 41st minute, Uruguay took the lead unexpectedly. Ronaldo Araujo’s easy finish past goalie Martinez gave the visiting team the lead, set up by Matias Vina’s assist.
Argentina moved the team to attack in the second half, while Uruguay focused mainly on defense. The conditions of the game did not change. Messi needs to look for opportunities in specific circumstances because he is still firmly blocked, but he is not successful.
After losing to Uruguay, Messi and Argentina were unable to extend their winning streak and their previously impressive clean sheet. Picture: AP
Argentina needed a “recovery” blow in the 87th minute after failing to equalize despite attacking during the standoff. Uruguay counterattacked as soon as Messi lost possession of the ball, and Nunez showed he could pick up pace before finishing skillfully to increase the lead.
In the final few minutes of the game, Argentina was unable to change the course of the encounter. Despite their final score of 0–2, Argentina is still in first place after five games with 12 points. They are only two points clear of Uruguay in second place, though.
