Preview for Argentina v UruguayThere will be a strange sense of unfamiliarity when Argentina take the field against Uruguay at La Bombonera on Friday night.Their star number 10, arguably the greatest player of all time, Lionel Messi will not be there. There will be disappointment and a sense of regret but it also gives Lionel Scaloni and his players the chance to look forward and embrace a new era.That is how Scaloni will frame it as he starts a process to mould his team ahead of the 2028 Copa America and 2030 World Cup.Scaloni himself has verbally agreed to sign a new deal, giving Argentina some much-needed stability. And in the likes of Nico Paz and Gianluca Prestianni they have a new wave of players coming through to complement the old stagers such as Emiliano Martinez and Alexis Mac Allister.Argentina have played three friendlies since reaching the World Cup final over the summer, against Bolivia, Burkina Faso and Benin, the last of which being Messis farewell game. They have won all three by a combined 14-0 scoreline.Uruguay will present a stiffer test as they look to bounce back from a disappointing World Cup in which they exited at the group stage without winning a game. That saw the end of Marcelo Bielsas time in charge with Diego Forlan taking over on an interim basis.He started with a 3-1 defeat to Japan but then bounced back with resounding victories over South Korea and India.The former Manchester United striker recognises the depth of rivalry that exists between the two nations.However friendly it may be, theres a rivalry with a long history, and it will be a great challenge, Forln said at a press conference on Wednesday. These kinds of matches are difficult because of the level and prestige of the opponent. When they mentioned the possibility to me, I immediately said yes. Its important to test ourselves.The sides have met 194 times, with Argentina winning 91, Uruguay 58 and 45 ending in draws.Argentina have had the upper hand in recent years, winning to nil in four of their last five meetings with Uruguay, including a 1-0 victory in March 2025. However, Uruguay won 2-0 on their last visit to La Bombonera.Team News for Argentina v UruguayScaloni has named a 28-man squad for the friendlies. Lautaro Martnez misses out with an injury, so Julin lvarez will lead the line. Emiliano Martnez will start in goal if he can prove he has fully recovered from a jaw operation. Cristian Romero is absent.For Uruguay, Darwin Nez is in good form, with three goals in his last two international appearances. Federico Valverde, Rodrigo Bentancur and Ronald Arajo will provide a strong spine, and Giorgian de Arrascaeta should start in the number 10 role.Expected Line-ups for Argentina v UruguayArgentina:E Martnez; Giay, Balerdi, L Martnez, Tagliafico; Palacios, Mac Allister, Fernndez; Prestianni, Paz, lvarez, Uruguay:Fiermarin; Varela, R Arajo, Olivera, Piquerez; Valverde, Bentancur; Rodrguez, De Arrascaeta, M Arajo; NezStats for Argentina v UruguayArgentina and Uruguay first met in 1902, making this one of the oldest international rivalriesUruguay beat Argentina 4-2 in the first World Cup final in 1930The sides have met 194 times, with Argentina winning 91 and Uruguay 58.Where to Watch Argentina v UruguayArgentina v Uruguay kicks off at11pm GMT (8pm local time) on Friday, November 13at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires. It is not on UK TV.In Argentina, the match is live on TyC Sports and Telefe, and in Uruguay on AUF TV and Antel TV. In the US, its on ViX.Prediction for Argentina v UruguayEven without Messi, Argentina have a stronger looking line-up and, for some of the younger players, this is a great chance to step out of the shadows and establish themselves in the international set-up.Prediction: Argentina 2-0 Uruguay Topics Argentina National Football Team Lionel Messi Lionel Scaloni Uruguay National Football Team If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Ballon dOr winner Kane overlooked as Messi named to FIFPro World XI for 18th time Jon Fisher 9th November, 2026 Lionel Messi set to return to Argentina Jon Fisher 9th November, 2026 Inter Miami v Charlotte: Preview, expected line-ups and where to watch as Messi looks to clinch Golden Boot Jon Fisher 6th November, 2026 Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe lead tributes to Jesus de Miguel after tragic death Jon Fisher 3rd November, 2026 Messi steps up when Inter Miami need him most to secure Champions Cup spot Jon Fisher 2nd November, 2026 New England Revolution v Inter Miami: Preview, expected line-ups and where to watch as Messi looks to catch fire after cold spell Jon Fisher 30th October, 2026
