Argentina Lose For First Time Since World Cup As Uruguay Crash Lionel Messi's Ballon d'Or Party In Buenos Aires
Argentina's 14-game unbeaten streak came to an end on Thursday night when Uruguay won 2-0 in Buenos Aires.
Since winning the World Cup in December last year, Argentina had won eight straight matches without even conceding a goal.
But that run of clean sheets was halted by Uruguay right-back Ronald Araujo in the 41st minute on Thursday.
Nahuel Molina was overpowered by Matias Vina, who then found Araujo at the far post with a fine low cross for the Barcelona star to score his first ever international goal.
With Argentina pushing for an equalizer, Uruguay doubled their lead in the 87th minute thanks to a goal from Darwin Nunez.
The Liverpool striker finished off a counter-attack following a through pass from Nicolas de la Cruz, moments after Lionel Messi had lost possession.
Goals from Ronald Araujo (center) and Darwin Nunez (right) earned Uruguay a 2-0 win over Argentina
IMAGO/Luciano Bisbal
Thursday's game was Messi's first in Argentina since he won his eighth Ballon d'Or.
The 36-year-old was presented with a special plaque before the game to commemorate his record-breaking achievement.
But Messi's party almost turned sour way before Araujo fired Uruguay in front.
The Argentina captain was lucky not to be sent off in the 20th minute after he appeared to elbow Uruguay defender Mathias Olivera before grabbing his neck.
Despite Thursday's defeat, Argentina still occupy first place in South America's World Cup qualification league table.
Messi and Co will now travel to Rio de Janeiro to take on Brazil on Tuesday.
