No Lionel Messi, no issue as Argentina tops Uruguay: Scaloni’s six-word message speaks volumes with 2026 FIFA World Cup berth almost secured
The reigning World Cup champions, Argentina, moved one step closer to securing their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a crucial 1-0 victory over Uruguay in Montevideo. The match, a hard-fought battle between two of South America’s strongest teams, was a significant test for Lionel Scaloni’s side, as they played without their biggest star, Lionel Messi, as well as key attackers Lautaro Martinez and Paulo Dybala.
Despite these high-profile absences, Argentina found a way to win. The decisive moment came in the 67th minute, when Thiago Almada unleashed a spectacular 25-yard strike, stunning the Uruguayan defense and sending La Albiceleste a step closer to World Cup qualification.
After the match, Scaloni delivered a six-word message that perfectly encapsulated the team’s resilience. His statement, which came in response to the nation’s ability to win without its biggest stars, underscored a core belief about this squad’s strength.
What did Scaloni say about Argentina’s depth?
Throughout his tenure, Scaloni has emphasized the importance of the collective over individual brilliance, and this match was no exception. The absence of Messi, Lautaro Martinez, and Dybala could have significantly weakened Argentina’s attack, but the team’s depth proved to be its greatest weapon. “The national team is a team. When one is missing, another steps up,” the 46-year-old told reporters after the match.
His words reflected Argentina’s ability to adapt and perform at a high level, even when key players are unavailable. “We had some very important absentees, but we have great players to go out on the field,” he added. “The team is always more than just the names.”
The performance against Uruguay highlighted Argentina’s balance and tactical discipline. Even without their biggest attacking stars, they maintained their identity, absorbed pressure when necessary, and seized the key moment when Almada’s wonder strike sealed the win.
Hard-fought battle in Montevideo
From the opening whistle, the hosts made it difficult for the world champion, pressing aggressively and forcing Scaloni’s men into difficult positions. Argentina struggled to contain the Sky Blue’s attacks down the right flank, and in the first half, Marcelo Bielsa’s side created dangerous chances.
Recognizing the problem, Scaloni made key tactical adjustments at halftime, and Argentina began to control possession more effectively. The shift led to a more composed second half, allowing the visitors to dictate play and eventually find the breakthrough through Almada’s stunning long-range goal. “On the right side, they created some situations for us,” the manager admitted. “In the second half, we corrected those, and another game took place.”
The match became even more tense when Nicolas Gonzalez was sent off in stoppage time, leaving the away side with ten men for the final moments. However, Emiliano Martinez and the Argentine defense held firm, ensuring the victory.