Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni expressed his satisfaction with the depth and resilience of his squad following a narrow 1-0 victory over Uruguay in a World Cup qualifying match on Friday evening. The win was particularly significant given the absence of several key players, including captain Lionel Messi, striker Lautaro Martínez, and Paulo Dybala, all of whom were ruled out due to injury.
The match, held at the historic Estadio Centenario in Montevideo, saw a competitive and physical contest between two of South America’s traditional footballing powerhouses. The decisive moment arrived in the 67th minute, when Thiago Almada, the 23-year-old attacking midfielder currently playing for Atlanta United in the MLS, produced a composed finish to give Argentina the lead. It proved to be the only goal of the game and enough to secure all three points.
Speaking after the match, Scaloni praised the squad’s ability to rise to the occasion despite the absence of its most recognisable figures.
“The national team is more than just the big names. When one player is missing, another is ready to step in. That’s the strength of this group,” Scaloni said during the post-match press conference. “We missed very important players tonight, but those who took their place did an excellent job. The team showed character, organisation, and commitment.”
Scaloni, who led Argentina to Copa América and World Cup triumphs in recent years, has continued to emphasise the importance of squad unity and tactical flexibility. Friday’s result underlined Argentina’s capacity to compete at the highest level, even when not at full strength.
With this victory, Argentina strengthened their position in the South American World Cup qualifying standings. The focus now shifts to another major test on Tuesday, when they will face Brazil in Buenos Aires. Brazil will also be looking to bounce back after their recent loss to Colombia, setting the stage for a fierce and high-stakes encounter.
Scaloni did not confirm whether Messi or Martínez would be fit in time for the Brazil match, saying only that their recovery is being monitored day by day.
The result in Montevideo will be encouraging for Argentine supporters, who can take heart in knowing that the next generation of players is stepping up when it matters most.
