Argentina vs Uruguay Prediction, H2H Stats & Statistical Bets 13 November 2026
📢 Argentina without Lionel Messi - until recently, that was almost impossible to imagine, but the national team must now get used to a new reality. Their first opponents since the legendary footballer retired from international football will be Uruguay, with whom Argentina have a long-standing rivalry. And although the upcoming match is a friendly, there will certainly be plenty of intrigue. Fans are keen to see how the hosts will play without their long-time leader and who will take responsibility in attack. We will get the first answers at La Bombonera.
🔁 This prediction is updated on match day. Keep an eye on the Latest News section.
Argentina are considerably more successful than Uruguay
📊 Argentina and Uruguay have met 18 times in recent years, with the Argentines holding the upper hand in this rivalry. Argentina have won 12 of those matches, while Uruguay have won 5, with 1 ending in a draw. The teams last met in March 2025 in a 2026 World Cup qualifier. Argentina secured a narrow 1-0 away win, looking the better side on the day and deservedly taking all three points.
Head-to-head statistics Argentina - Uruguay
Argentina adjusts to life without Messi
Argentina are rightly regarded as one of the most successful national teams not only in South America but in world football as a whole. They have won numerous prestigious trophies throughout their history, and recent years have been particularly memorable. In 2022, Argentina became world champions, and four years later they reached the World Cup final, where they had to settle for silver medals. Now, however, a completely new chapter begins for the national team: for the first time in many years, they will have to play without Lionel Messi. The departure of their long-serving leader and biggest star will inevitably bring changes, and it is still difficult to say how quickly the team will adapt to them.
Argentina had a perfect previous international break, recording three convincing wins in friendlies. Admittedly, they faced no serious tests, as the quality of their opponents left much to be desired. They first thrashed Bolivia (4:0), then demolished Burkina Faso (7:0), before rounding off the run with a 3:0 win over Benin. That match was the last of Lionel Messi’s international career, and he signed off in style with a goal and two assists.
Match Results: Argentina
Uruguay look to regain their former level
Uruguay have lost considerable ground on the international stage in recent years, although they still have a squad with plenty of quality. Their performance at the 2026 World Cup was a particularly painful blow, as they failed to make it past the group stage. And it was far from the toughest group. Uruguay picked up just two points, finished third and went home: for a team with such a rich footballing tradition, it is hard to call that result anything other than a failure.
Uruguay spent the previous international break playing friendlies in Asia, recording two wins and one defeat. The tour began poorly: they lost their opening match to Japan (1:3), once again raising plenty of questions about their performances. However, they then made amends with a convincing win over South Korea (4:1). They rounded off the series with an even higher-scoring victory over India (6:1). Nevertheless, despite the impressive number of goals scored, it is too early to draw far-reaching conclusions: the standard of the opposition does not allow for an objective assessment of Uruguay’s true capabilities.
Match Results: Uruguay
Latest news
Argentina
❌ Argentina have several notable absentees ahead of the match. Cristian Romero and Lautaro Martínez were left out due to muscle injuries, while Nicolás González is also unavailable through injury. Nahuel Molina and Leandro Paredes are suspended.
Uruguay
❌ Uruguay have considerably fewer squad concerns. Nahitan Nández and Brian Rodríguez were forced to withdraw from the extended squad due to injuries.
Predicted Lineups
📋 Argentina’s predicted starting XI: Rulli - Giay, Balerdi, Lisandro Martínez, Tagliafico - Palacios, Enzo Fernández, Mac Allister - Nico Paz, Julián Álvarez, Prestianni.
📋 Uruguay’s predicted starting XI: Fiermarín - Varela, Ronald Araújo, Juan Rodríguez, Piquerez - Valverde, Torreira, Bentancur, Maxi Araújo - De Arrascaeta - Darwin Núñez.
Total Goals Prediction
Uruguay’s friendlies rarely pass without entertaining football and goals at both ends. In their last five away matches, they have scored and conceded every time, regardless of the standard of the opposition. Therefore, our pick is Both Teams to Score - Yes at odds of 2.18*.
Corners Prediction
At home, Argentina should play from a position of strength: keep the ball in the opposition half for long spells and put pressure on Uruguay’s defence. Uruguay will have to put the ball out of play often. We’re backing Argentina to have more corners than Uruguay at odds of 1.45*.
Yellow Cards Prediction
Despite the rivalry between the two sides, it is worth remembering that Argentina’s match against Uruguay is a friendly. Neither team has much reason to contest a fiercely fought match and risk their players’ fitness in the middle of the club season. We can therefore expect a fairly calm game without many rough fouls. Our pick is Total Yellow Cards - Under 2.5.
Player Prop Bet
Rising star Nico Paz is set to replace Lionel Messi on the pitch. He is shining at Como, top clubs are lining up for him, and now he must take on some of the responsibility for the national team. Against Uruguay, he will have a chance to show what he can do. We are backing Nico Paz to score at odds of 3.30*.
High-Risk Bet
The match’s friendly status could favour fans of high-scoring football. Neither team is under pressure to pick up points, so the players can afford more freedom in attack and bolder decisions in front of the opposition’s goal. For those willing to take a risk, we suggest Total Goals - Over 3.5 at odds of 3.70*.
Safer Bet
Argentina are unbeaten in 29 consecutive friendlies. Even without Lionel Messi, the hosts remain favourites in this match, and the support of the home crowd only increases their chances of success. Our pick is Argentina to Win or Draw at odds of 1.15*.
If the Match Takes a Different Turn
Following Lionel Messi’s departure, Argentina have lost a leader capable of deciding a match single-handedly and rallying the team in difficult moments. The hosts still need to find new combinations in attack, and Uruguay may take advantage of that uncertainty. The visitors know how to play patiently, withstand pressure and punish opponents’ mistakes. Our alternative bet is Uruguay to Win or Draw at odds of 2.43*
*Odds are indicative and may vary between bookmakers.
⭐ Editor’s Prediction
Nevertheless, our editorial team do not expect an upset in the upcoming clash. Argentina are superior to Uruguay in virtually every key respect, from squad quality to current form and recent results. The home advantage should not be overlooked either, as it carries particular weight in South American football. Even without Lionel Messi, Argentina have enough top-class players to win. Our main bet is Argentina to win. Predicted score: 3:1.
Will this prediction come true?
No comments
Betting Tips: Argentina - Uruguay
in last 11 games (Int. Friendly Games)..svg)
in 7 of last 8 games (Int. Friendly Games).in last 21 games (Int. Friendly Games).in last 13 home games (Int. Friendly Games).
in 16 of last 18 away games (Int. Friendly Games).Comparison of Teams Stats
Other predictions
