Uruguay put an end to Argentina’s impressive 14-match unbeaten streak with a commanding 2-0 triumph over the reigning world champions in the World Cup qualifiers at Buenos Aires’ Alberto J. Armando Stadium on Friday.
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Ronald Araújo found the net in the 41st minute, and Darwin Núñez secured the victory with a goal in the 86th minute. This win not only propelled Uruguay to success but also marked the end of Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez’s remarkable shutout streak, which spanned an impressive 751 minutes. Lionel Messi and the Argentine squad experienced their first defeat in the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, ending a streak that began after their surprising 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia in the 2022 finals in Qatar.
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Reflecting on the outcome, Messi acknowledged, “We had to lose someday; this happens.” Despite the setback, Argentina remains at the top of the standings with 12 points from five matches, having won all four of their initial qualifiers. Uruguay’s well-deserved victory positions them in second place with 10 points.
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Argentina had maintained a clean sheet in eight consecutive matches, including four friendlies and four qualifying games, since their thrilling triumph over France in the World Cup final. Martínez, who clinched the Golden Glove at the World Cup and the Yashin Trophy at the recent Ballon d’Or awards ceremony as the best goalkeeper, saw his historic streak come to an end with Uruguay’s decisive goals.