Once again, Argentina went into a crunch World Cup qualifier without their legendary captain to lead them out. And once again, while not exactly convincing, the Albiceleste weathered the storm and did what was needed as they ground out Uruguay to grab a huge 1-0 win at the Estadio Centenario.
It was an unfamiliar Argentina team which took to the field in Montevideo. As well as Messi, Lautaro Martínez, Lisandro Martínez and Rodrigo De Paul were all missing from the Albiceleste's usual suspects, lending the opportunity to Giuliano Simeone, the youngest son of Atlético Madrid coach Diego, to break into what has become a near-impenetrable lineup these past few years. In the first half at least, the young striker had little impact in a dull stalemate that only threatened to liven up when Argentina and Uruguay players were at each other's throats.
The rare moments of interest revolved around potential misfortunes. A heavy clash between Emiliano Martínez's knee and the skull of Nicolás Tagliafico put Argentina on alert but both were cleared to continue after a few minutes' treatment. On the Celeste side, the ever-eccentric Bielsa delved into his bench while the first half was still going on, withdrawing Giorgian De Arraescaeta for ex-River star Nicolás de la Cruz.
The only real chance for either time came right at the end of the opening forty-five minutes and was thwarted by Sergio Rochet and José María Giménez: the goalkeeper did well to parry a low cross with Alexis Mac Allister waiting and Giménez matched his athleticism by throwing himself in the way of Enzo Fernández's follow-up effort. In a game between two teams closely matched across the field, that really was about as good as it got early on.
To their credit, the Albiceleste did shake off some of that early lack of urgency as soon as they came out after the break. Thiago Almada tested Rochet with a wicked shot from outside the area following a fluid counter-attack which cut through the middle of Bielsa's backline. Minutes later Almada broke clean through on a delightful pass from Julián Álvarez but saw the ball pawed away from him by the Uruguay keeper.
The pressure was building, and there was nothing Rochet could do 23 minutes into the second half when Almada wound up for another shot. The Lyon star, a champion of the Copa Libertadores last year to go along with his World Cup medal, hit an unstoppable barnstormer that flew into the top corner of the net. Never better applied that old Argentine football cliché: it truly was a goal that belonged to another, more entertaining game.
An injury time red card for substitute Nicolás Gonzalez aside, for a savage kick, the rest of this game at least passed without too much further incident, as Bielsa's Uruguay showed themselves incapable of breaking through a resolute away defence which, aside from a couple of half-chances easily controlled, gave Martínez a surprisingly straightforward evening between the posts.
This version of La Scaloneta continues to get the result when it matters most, taking revenge for the Celeste's stunning victory in the Bombonera almost 18 months ago. More importantly, the win leaves Argentina just one point away from securing their place in the 2026 World Cup, an inevitable achievement perhaps with more than half of CONMEBOL guaranteed a spot but still worthy of celebration.
Next up, Brazil: and even if Argentina struggles to thrill like it once did without the likes of Messi and Lautaro, they can go into that huge match confident that even with a depleted squad they can get the result they most desire.
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