LIVE BLOG: Argentina vs Uruguay | International Friendly
Argentina and Uruguay renew their historic Río de la Plata rivalry at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires. Lionel Scaloni's side face their first derby against Uruguay in the post-Lionel Messi era, while Diego Forlán prepares for his fourth match as Uruguay's interim head coach
73' Julián Álvarez gets a second chance and makes no mistake; La Albiceleste narrows the gap to 1–2.
Second goal for Uruguay
53' Maxi Araujo extends the lead for La Celeste.
Goal for Uruguay
48' The ball deflects off Leonardo Balerdi—the first goal of the match.
Julián Álvarez missed the goal.
The atmosphere at La Bombonera
The match is being played at La Bombonera.
Argentina faces Uruguay.
Forlan's lineup
Argentina's lineup in post Messi era
Argentina and Uruguay Renew Their Rivalry at La Bombonera
Although this is an international friendly, both teams are using the November FIFA window to prepare for the road to the 2030 World Cup.
For Lionel Scaloni, the match represents another step in a new chapter.
The Argentina manager, who took charge in 2018, has guided the national team to a World Cup title, two Copa América trophies and the CONMEBOL-UEFA Cup of Champions.
Now he must begin building a side without several of the players who helped define that successful period.
Argentina Enter the Post-Messi Era
The most significant absence is Lionel Messi, with Argentina preparing for their first Río de la Plata derby since his departure from the national team.
Nicolás Otamendi and Leandro Paredes are also no longer part of the squad, while Lautaro Martínez and Rodrigo De Paul are unavailable for this match.
That leaves Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister and Julián Álvarez among the players expected to take on greater responsibility.
Nico Paz, who has impressed with Como 1907 in Italian soccer, could also have an important role. The attacking midfielder is expected to start and help dictate Argentina's play in the final third.
There is also uncertainty surrounding the goalkeeper position.
Gerónimo Rulli could start in place of Emiliano Martínez, who suffered a fractured jaw in October and has not played for Chelsea since the injury.
Diego Forlán Welcomes Valverde Back for Uruguay
Uruguay arrive in Buenos Aires under Diego Forlán, who is preparing for his fourth match as interim national team coach following Marcelo Bielsa's departure.
The former Uruguay striker is expected to remain in charge while the federation prepares to appoint a permanent manager in 2027.
One of the biggest developments for the visitors is the return of Federico Valverde.
The Real Madrid midfielder missed Uruguay's friendlies against Japan, South Korea and India through injury but is now expected to feature alongside Rodrigo Bentancur, Lucas Torreira, Giorgian de Arrascaeta and Maximiliano Araújo.
Ronald Araujo will be a key figure in defense, while Darwin Núñez is expected to lead the attack.
Núñez has fond memories of La Bombonera. He scored during Uruguay's previous visit to the stadium, when La Celeste claimed a 2-0 victory over Argentina.
Argentina vs Uruguay: Predicted Lineups
Argentina: Gerónimo Rulli; Gonzalo Montiel, Leonardo Balerdi, Lisandro Martínez, Facundo Medina; Exequiel Palacios, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister; Nico Paz, Julián Álvarez and Giuliano Simeone.
Head coach: Lionel Scaloni.
Uruguay: Cristopher Fiermarin; Guillermo Varela, Ronald Araujo, Mathías Olivera, Joaquín Piquerez; Lucas Torreira, Rodrigo Bentancur; Federico Valverde, Giorgian de Arrascaeta, Maximiliano Araújo and Darwin Núñez.
Head coach: Diego Forlán.
What Time Is Argentina vs Uruguay?
- Date: Friday, November 13, 2026.
- Kickoff: 6:00 PM ET (United States).
- Venue: Estadio Alberto José Armando (La Bombonera).
- Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Match: International friendly, November FIFA window.
Three Storylines to Watch in the Río de la Plata Derby
- Argentina without Messi: Scaloni begins a new chapter with Enzo Fernández, Mac Allister, Julián Álvarez and Nico Paz expected to play important roles.
- Valverde's return: Uruguay welcome back their Real Madrid midfielder for Diego Forlán's fourth match in charge.
- A familiar setting for Uruguay: La Celeste won 2-0 on their last visit to La Bombonera, with Darwin Núñez among the goalscorers.
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