Uruguay ended Argentina’s 14-match unbeaten streak with a 2-0 victory over the sector champions in International Cup qualifiers on Thursday as Luis Diaz scored two times to fireside Colombia to an emotional 2-1 win over Brazil. Defender Ronald Araujo fired Uruguay forward on 41 mins earlier than Liverpool ahead Darwin Nunez made the sport barricade with an 87th-minute function at the counterattack to determine a hard-fought strike on the Bombonera Stadium in Buenos Aires. It used to be Lionel Messi and Argentina’s first defeat of the 2026 International Cup qualifying marketing campaign, and their first loss since they had been surprised 2-1 via Saudi Arabia on the 2022 finals in Qatar.
“We never felt comfortable,” Messi mentioned then the defeat.
“They’re a physical team that works well and on the counterattack they were very dangerous,” added Messi, praising the paintings of Uruguay’s respected Argentine schoolteacher Marcelo Bielsa.
“You can see his hand in the team. In all the teams or clubs he’s been involved in, including Argentina, you can see his hand,” mentioned Messi.
Argentina schoolteacher Lionel Scaloni in the meantime sponsored his staff to get well in year for nearest time’s showdown with Brazil.
“There is a very difficult game coming up and we will try to do our best; I think this team has shown plenty of times that it can get out of difficult situations,” Scaloni mentioned.
“We lose and win as a team, and there are times when you have to give credit to the opponent,” Scaloni added.
“We can’t think that because we’re world champions, we can’t lose. We are not unbeatable — I’ve said it before and will continue to say it.”
Argentina, who had gained all 4 in their opening qualifiers, stay on lead of the standings with 12 issues from 5 fits. Uruguay’s win leaves them in moment park on 10 issues.
Diaz sinks Brazil
In alternative South American qualifiers, Nunez’s Liverpool team-mate Diaz scored two targets in 5 mins as Colombia got here from at the back of to stun Brazil 2-1 in Barranquilla.
Diaz’s dramatic double capped a roller-coaster date for the ahead, whose father used to be taken hostage via Colombian guerrillas on the finish of October earlier than being absolved ultimate time.
Diaz’s father, Luis Manuel Diaz, used to be observing from the stands in tears as his son scored within the seventy fifth and 79th mins to fireside Colombia to a an important win.
Diaz’s second-half double forbidden out Brazil’s opener, which got here from Arsenal ahead Gabriel Martinelli then handiest 4 mins.
A disappointing end result for Brazil used to be compounded via an shock to Actual Madrid megastar Vinicius Jr., who limped off clutching his left thigh then 27 mins.
Diaz in the meantime mentioned he had skilled “hard moments” then studying of his father’s kidnapping in past due October.
“But life makes you strong and brave and I think that’s football, and not just football but life,” mentioned Diaz, dedicating his efficiency to Colombian compatriots.
“I’m grateful to my team-mates, to the coaching staff who were always there for me at every moment. And I dedicate the victory to the people, who deserved it.”
Colombia moved as much as 3rd park then the win with 9 issues from 5 video games.
In alternative video games, Venezuela farmland out a 0-0 draw with Ecuador month Bolivia moved off the base of the 10-team standings with their first issues of the qualifiers then a 2-0 residence win over Peru.
Chile and Paraguay stay outdoor the qualifying spots then a goalless attract Santiago. Chile’s Argentine schoolteacher Eduardo Berizzo resigned then a 0-0 draw that leaves ‘Los angeles Roja’ in 8th park, with 5 issues from 5 video games.
The lead six groups of the round-robin home-and-away qualifying match will earn berths on the expanded 2026 International Cup taking park in america, Canada and Mexico, month the seventh-placed staff is going right into a play-off.
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