Almada's second half stunner, plus other results, means Argentina need one more point to seal automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

Argentina has no shortage of attackers with young Nico Paz making an appearance in the squad and Julian Alvarez in top form for Atletico Madrid but facing a strong Uruguay defense, more pressure will be on the attack, especially with Martinez unavailable.

Argentina didn’t miss Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez and other key players on Friday and beat Uruguay away 1-0 in convincing fashion in their South American World Cup qualifying match. Thiago Almada scored the winner with a powerful curled shot from the edge of the box,