Argentina open the post-Lionel Messi era with a fascinating friendly against new-look Uruguay on Friday in Buenos Aires.
Messi has called time on his legendary career for Argentina, having taken to the field for the Albiceleste for the final time last month. Now the focus is on how Lionel Scaloni, who has recently signed a new contract until 2030, and Argentina can create a new identity without Messi. They still aim to reach a third-straight World Cup final, and a wave of talented youngsters will lead the charge.
It is all change for Uruguay too. Legendary striker Diego Forlan is now in charge after Marcelo Bielsa stepped down following a very disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign. Uruguay struggled mightily in the summer and were knocked out at the group stage after picking up just two points from three games.
How to watch Argentina vs Uruguay live, stream link and start time
Kick-off: 6pm ET, Friday (November 13)
Venue: La Bombonera, Buenos Aires, Argentina
TV channel/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 is now in charge of Uruguay, and his start has been okay. His side lost to Japan, then beat South Korea and India in his first three games in charge. 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 will likely hang in there, but Argentina should have a little too much off the bench in attack. Our prediction: Argentina 3-2 Uruguay.