Uruguay's Araujo targets Messi-less Argentina in Friday friendly
Uruguay defender Ronald Araujo warns Argentina his side will exploit Lionel Messi's absence when both teams clash in a friendly at La Bombonera this Friday, November 13. The match marks Argentina's first outing since Messi retired from international football last month after an 18-year career.
Speaking after joining Uruguay's squad in Montevideo, Araujo said: "They have lost the best player in the world, and we are going to take advantage of that." The Barcelona-owned centre-back, currently on loan at Liverpool, played alongside Messi at Camp Nou before the Argentine's move to Inter Miami.
For Nigerian fans tracking global football, this friendly tests whether Argentina's World Cup-winning system functions without its architect. Coach Lionel Scaloni must reshape attack around Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez. Uruguay, under Marcelo Bielsa, brings high-intensity pressing that troubled Argentina in recent qualifiers.
The game kicks off 8pm local time (11pm WAT Friday) at Boca Juniors' iconic La Bombonera stadium. No broadcast details confirmed for Nigerian viewers yet.
With Messi gone, does Argentina's system survive on collective strength or crumble without its genius?