FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Lionel Messi’s Argentina fall to shock 2-0 loss against Uruguay

Lionel Messi’s Argentina fell to a shock loss in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers. Argentina lost to a gritty Uruguay in Buenos Aires, on 16 November, Thursday.

Marcelo Bielsa’s team got a statement win beating 2-0 Lionel Messi’s Argentina at their iconic Bombonera stadium thanks to goals from Ronald Araujo and Darwin Nunez in each half.

Uruguay were the better side from start to finish and with the win they climbed to second in the standings on 10 points, two behind leaders Argentina who dropped their first points in five games in the South America World Cup Qualifiers. This was also the first time since the FIFA World Cup 2022 final that Argentina conceded goals in an international match.

In Colombia, former world champions Brazil lost their second consecutive World Cup qualifier match as Colombia fought back to win 2-1 against the five-times champions, who are winless in the last three games and dropped to fifth place in the South American standings on Thursday.

It was a cathartic evening for Liverpool forward Luis Diaz who, just a few days after Colombia guerrillas freed his kidnapped father, scored twice within four minutes late in the second-half to give his country the shock win, after Brazil got an early lead with a Gabriel Martinelli strike.

Colombia are third on nine points, one ahead Venezuela who were held to a goalless draw at home by sixth-placed Ecuador, who are one point behind Brazil that are fifth on seven points. Argentina are still at the top of the CONMEBOL table with 12 points from 5 matches. They have four wins and one loss to their name. Argentina are closely followed by Uruguay, who have 10 points from 5 matches to their name. They have won two back to back big matches, first defeating Brazil 2-0 in October 18 and now Argentina, just a month away from their last victory.