As Uruguay prepare to face Argentina in Friday's friendly at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires, Liverpool centre-back Ronald Araujo has warned his team-mates not to underestimate their rivals despite Lionel Messi's recent international retirement.
Araujo on Argentina's strength after Messi
Ronald Araujo is working with Uruguay ahead of the friendly against Argentina at La Bombonera, which is described as the 197th Clasico del Rio de la Plata. Araujo has urged Uruguay not to underestimate Argentina following Lionel Messi's international farewell and has warned that the Albiceleste remain a formidable force. On facing Argentina without their former talisman, he said: "They've lost the best player in the world, but Argentina have young players of immense quality. They are a powerhouse and always will be."
Lionel Messi is described as a current Inter Miami star. He ended his international career on October 6 in a 3-0 win over Benin at the Estadio Monumental in front of 85,000 fans. In that 3-0 victory, Messi recorded one goal and two assists. He finished his international career with 126 goals in 208 caps, and his honours with Argentina include the 2022 World Cup, the 2022 Finalissima and two Copa America titles.
Importance of the friendly and Uruguay's aims
Ronald Araujo spoke to reporters upon arriving at Carrasco International Airport and underlined what the match means for Uruguay. He said: "It's true that it's a friendly, but it's important for our growth. You grow through victories. We have the squad to take on Argentina, who are one of the best teams in the world, and we're heading in eager to put in a strong performance."
Delighted to return home while impressing at Anfield, Araujo said: "I'm enjoying myself, which is the most important thing. I'm really looking forward to these friendlies and giving my all."
Araujo missed the 2026 World Cup through injury. He is a Liverpool centre-back currently on loan from Barcelona. He has shared the pitch 34 times with Lionel Messi at Camp Nou, and the pair won the 2020-21 Copa del Rey together at Barcelona.
Homecoming, Asia tour talks and upcoming fixtures
During Uruguay's recent tour of Asia, Araujo said the squad discussed how crucial it was to play at least one match on home soil. He explained: "It's something special. It was important to come to Uruguay and be close to our people. We're happy it worked out. We'll head to Argentina first, then return home so the fans can enjoy it and we can showcase our football under this new direction."
The friendly between Uruguay and Argentina at La Bombonera comes after a 1-0 World Cup qualifying defeat for Uruguay on March 21, 2025. Uruguay will then host the Dominican Republic at the Campus de Maldonado on Tuesday. Uruguay won their only previous meeting with the Dominican Republic 1-0 on October 10, 2025.
For this international window, Uruguay are missing injured players Brian Rodriguez, Manuel Ugarte and Nahitan Nandez. Uruguay are also without Miguel Merentiel, who plays in Boca Juniors' Copa Sudamericana final on November 21.
Forlan's role and new faces in the squad
Diego Forlan is described as Uruguay's head coach. He has handed maiden senior call-ups to Albion goalkeeper Sebastian Jaume and Philadelphia Union forward Bruno Damiani. Praising head coach Diego Forlan's early impact, Araujo added: "He's been very approachable when speaking with every player. He was an iconic player himself, so he knows what he can offer. It's great when you have the manager's backing; it makes things much easier once you're out on the pitch."
