Can a Lionel Messi-less Argentina get a result in Montevideo, one of the most difficult places to play in the world?

Uruguay and Argentina are set to clash at the Estadio Centenario in what could be a pivotal game for each side's path to the 2026 FFIA World Cup.Less than 24 hours ago, Brazil jumped into second place of the CONMBEBOL 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying standings with a last-minute victory over Colombia.

Lionel Scaloni will have to find alternatives to the absences of Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez and Paulo Dybala when Argentina takes on Uruguay.

Brazil secured a 2–1 victory over Colombia thanks to a penalty from Raphinha and a 99th minute winner from Vinícius Júnior.

The victory lifted Brazil to second in South American qualifying with 21 points, four behind leaders Argentina and one ahead of Uruguay in third, both of whom have a game in hand and will clash on Friday.

A last-minute goal by Vinicius Júnior secured Brazil’s 2-1 win over Colombia in World Cup qualifying on Thursday, helping his team and millions of fans avoid more disappointment. A draw would have seen Brazil slump to sixth in the South American standings.