Uruguay vs. Argentina: A Historic Clásico Without Messi or Suárez for the First Time in 20 Years

The Estadio Centenario in Montevideo will witness a historic moment on Friday, as Uruguay and Argentina face off in a World Cup Qualifier without Lionel Messi or Luis Suárez on the pitch. The absence of the Inter Miami stars marks a turning point in one of the oldest rivalries in international football.

A Clásico Without Its Legends

The last time Uruguay and Argentina played without Messi or Suárez was October 9, 2004, when Argentina won 4-2 in a Germany 2006 Qualifier. Since then, both players have been key figures in 14 Clásico Rioplatense clashes:

✔ Messi and Suárez played together in 9 games.
✔ Messi played without Suárez in 3 games.
✔ Suárez played without Messi in 2 games.

Now, both teams will aim to secure a crucial victory in their road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup without their legendary forwards.

Current Standings and Form

📌 Argentina leads the CONMEBOL qualifiers with 25 points after 12 matches.
📌 Uruguay sits second with 20 points, just five behind their rivals.
📌 A win would put either team closer to securing World Cup qualification.

Key Absences for Both Sides

🇺🇾 Uruguay:
❌ Manuel Ugarte (Suspended).

🇦🇷 Argentina:
❌ Lautaro Martínez, Giovani Lo Celso, Gonzalo Montiel, Paulo Dybala, and Lisandro Martínez (Injuries).

Projected Starting Lineups

🇺🇾 Uruguay:

Goalkeeper: Sergio Rochet
Defense: Ronald Araújo, José María Giménez, Mathías Olivera, Maximiliano Araújo
Midfield: Federico Valverde, Rodrigo Bentancur, Nicolás de la Cruz
Forwards: Facundo Pellistri, Darwin Núñez, Brian Rodríguez or Giorgian De Arrascaeta

🇦🇷 Argentina:

Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martínez
Defense: Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Nicolás Tagliafico
Midfield: Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister
Forwards: Giuliano Simeone or Thiago Almada, Julián Álvarez, Nicolás González