Argentina secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Uruguay in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers, taking a step closer to the 2026 World Cup. Without their talisman Lionel Messi, the reigning world champions relied on a moment of brilliance from Thiago Almada to claim the win in a tightly contested battle at the Estadio Centenario.
A Tactical Battle in Midfield
The match began with both teams adopting a cautious approach, prioritizing defensive solidity over attacking flair. The first half saw minimal clear-cut chances, as Argentina and Uruguay engaged in a midfield battle that limited creative opportunities. Enzo Fernandez came closest to breaking the deadlock for Argentina when his close-range shot was cleared off the line, but apart from that, goal-scoring chances were scarce.
Uruguay, led by their dynamic forward Darwin Núñez, struggled to penetrate Argentina’s well-organized backline. The defensive pairing of Nicolas Otamendi and Cristian Romero successfully neutralized Uruguay’s attacking threats, keeping their goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez, relatively untroubled.
Thiago Almada’s Moment of Brilliance
The second half continued in a similar fashion, with neither side managing to take full control. The game remained scrappy, with misplaced passes and fouls disrupting the flow. However, one moment of magic changed everything.
Thiago Almada, who had been relatively quiet for much of the match, found space on the left flank for the first time. Receiving the ball in a promising position, he expertly cut onto his right foot and unleashed a stunning curling effort into the top corner. His goal was a testament to his technical ability and composure under pressure, providing Argentina with the breakthrough they desperately needed.
Defensive Discipline Secures the Win
Following Almada’s goal, Argentina shifted their focus to game management. The team executed a disciplined defensive strategy, limiting Uruguay’s offensive threats and absorbing pressure effectively. The midfield trio of Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister, and Enzo Fernandez worked tirelessly to maintain control, winning crucial duels and ensuring a smooth transition from defense to attack when needed.
Uruguay attempted to push forward in search of an equalizer, but Argentina’s compact defensive shape left them frustrated. Even when La Celeste managed to move into attacking areas, their efforts lacked the necessary precision to break down Argentina’s resolute backline.
The Impact of Lionel Messi’s Absence
Argentina’s performance highlighted both the strengths and challenges of playing without Lionel Messi. While his absence was evident in the team’s reduced attacking creativity, the squad demonstrated resilience and adaptability. The victory showcased Argentina’s ability to grind out results even without their star player, reinforcing their credentials as serious contenders for the 2026 World Cup.
Players such as Julian Alvarez and Giuliano Simeone struggled to make a significant impact in the attacking third, underscoring Messi’s importance in orchestrating play. However, Almada’s goal and Paredes’ midfield control proved that Argentina has emerging talents capable of stepping up in crucial moments.
A Step Closer to World Cup Qualification
This victory puts Argentina in a strong position in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualification standings. Securing three points away from home against a tough Uruguay side is a testament to their depth and tactical discipline. Lionel Scaloni’s tactical decisions, including his defensive adjustments and reliance on Almada, paid off as Argentina took a significant step toward securing their spot at the 2026 World Cup.
While the performance may not have been a spectacle of attacking football, it was a display of resilience, patience, and efficiency—qualities essential for any team with ambitions of winning major tournaments. If Argentina can continue to grind out results in difficult matches, they will remain one of the favorites for World Cup glory once again.
With Messi expected to return for future qualifiers, Argentina will aim to build on this momentum and further solidify their dominance in South American football.
