Even Lionel Messi loses sometimes! Lionel Scaloni admits World Cup crown does not make Argentina ‘unbeatable’ after disappointing Uruguay defeat

The Albiceleste have grown accustomed to winning, with a global title captured in style at Qatar 2022. They suffered a shock setback against Saudi Arabia in their opening game of that tournament, but have not come unstuck since then.

That impressive run has now come to a close, with a 2-0 defeat suffered at the hands of Uruguay in 2026 World Cup qualification. Ronald Araujo and Darwin Nunez were on target in that contest at La Bombonera, with Scaloni conceding that his side came up short despite having eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi at their disposal.

Argentina’s head coach told reporters: “The truth is that it was a game where we were never comfortable. They deserved the victory, without a doubt. We never found the way, that is the reality. We tried in the second half to correct it with some changes but well, it seems that it was not our day. But, I repeat, it is their credit for how they played. I would have to think about it a lot or watch the game again but in the short time that passed I think they were better, that's the reality. We were not in the game and then, well, I will be able to analyse things by looking closely at the development but the rival sometimes plays better and there it is. I really congratulate them.”

Scaloni added on suffering just the sixth defeat of his 66-game tenure as Argentina boss: “I think this team showed ample signs that it can get out of difficult situations. Here you lose and win as a team, there is no other way. There are times when you have to give credit to your rival. We cannot think that because we are world champions we will never lose. We are not unbeatable, I said it and I will continue to say it. The players feel backed by the support of the people, I hope it will always be like that.”

Argentina, who remain top of the CONMEBOL World Cup qualification table, will be back in action on Tuesday when taking on arch-rivals Brazil. The Selecao also suffered a shock defeat in their last game, coming unstuck against Colombia.