Argentina has suffered its first loss since winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The alarm bells are ringing for some Argentine and Lionel Messi fans as they wonder if 2026 is the end of the road for the national team and its chances to defend the title.
The qualification process for FIFA World is always tricky to explain. Unlike other sports, even the defending champions have to qualify for each edition of the World Cup. Argentina, being part of South America, is playing in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 edition.
Argentina was defeated by Uruguay in their latest World Cup qualifier, which raised some eyebrows among the fans. However, this was the first loss for the Argentine team in the qualifiers. They are currently at the top of the qualification table with four wins in five matches. To be direct, Argentina is not out of the FIFA World Cup.
South American FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers standings :
🥇 Argentina 🇦🇷 – 12 pts
🥈 Uruguay 🇺🇾 – 10 pts
🥉 Colombia 🇨🇴 – 9 pts #WCQ2026 | #WCQualifiers pic.twitter.com/onHpeo4sVw— PSG Chief (@psg_chief) November 17, 2023
The loss might be a setback, but they are still the favorites to qualify for the competition in 2026 that will be held in North America. The loss was a shock, considering Argentina’s record on home soil. Uruguay are only the fifth national team to beat Argentina on their home soil.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side was impressive, as they ran out 2–0 winners with goals from Ronald Araujo and Darwin Nunez. Uruguay moved to second in the qualification table, two points away from Argentina. The result is a big statement for Bielsa’s side, as they move ahead of Brazil in the table.
Lionel Messi responds to insults from Uruguayan players
Things got heated against Uruguay as Argentine players were involved in a brawl in the qualifier. The intensity carried throughout the match with Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte. The PSG midfielder was caught on camera making an obscene gesture towards Enzo Fernández and Rodrigo de Paul.
The gestures and language were in the spotlight during the post-match interview, as Lionel Messi didn’t hold back. The Argentine captain boldly told Uruguayan players to learn respect. He commented, “I prefer not to say what I think about some gestures, young people have to learn to respect their elders. Argentina – Uruguay was always a tough classic, but with respect, they have to learn a little”.
According to Nicolás Tagliafico, Lionel Messi will play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup if Argentina retains the Copa América in 2024 🇦🇷🏆 pic.twitter.com/zQqbQJ8zcC
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 14, 2023
Messi was frustrated throughout the night as he suffered his second loss with the Argentina national team on home soil. The Argentine captain has played 46 matches on home soil and has a record of 32 wins, 12 draws, and two losses.
The previous loss came against Brazil back in 2009. This match was supposed to be a celebration for Messi, playing his first national match after winning the record-extending 8th Ballon d’Or, but the match turned out to be different.
Looking ahead, Argentina continues its qualification journey as they travel to face Brazil in a highly anticipated match. Brazil is five points away from Argentina and would look to cut down the gap to two points. On the other hand, Lionel Messi would be looking to bounce back from this loss with a big result away at Brazil. The highly anticipated clash will take place on November 21 at the Maracanã Stadium.