Argentina begin the post-Lionel Messi era with a fascinating friendly against new-look Uruguay on Friday in Buenos Aires. Kickoff is 6pm ET on Friday, November 13, at La Bombonera.
Messi called time on his legendary career for Argentina when he took to the field for the Albiceleste for the final time last month. Now Lionel Scaloni, who recently signed a new contract through 2030, must help Argentina build a new identity without Messi. The goal is a third straight World Cup final, and a wave of talented youngsters will lead the charge.
It is also a new era 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
Kickoff: 6pm 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 huge void left by Messi’s departure. There are plenty of new players in the squad, and it will be intriguing to see how Argentina change as a team without Messi.
Uruguay Team News
Forlan’s start has been okay. Uruguay lost their first game under him to Japan, then won against South Korea and India in his next two matches. 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 likely have a little too much from the bench in attack. Prediction: Argentina 3-2 Uruguay.