‘They lost Messi, we’ll take advantage’ – Uruguay’s Ronald Araujo warns Argentina

Uruguay defender Ronald Araujo has warned Argentina that his team intends to exploit Lionel Messi’s absence when the two South American rivals meet in an international friendly.

Argentina and Uruguay are scheduled to face each other at La Bombonera on Friday in a match that will mark Argentina’s first outing since Messi retired from international football last month.

Speaking to journalists at Carrasco Airport in Montevideo after joining the Uruguay squad, Araujo made it clear that his side sees Messi’s absence as an opportunity.

“In the end, they have lost the best player [Messi] in the world, and we are going to take advantage of that,” the defender said.

Araujo’s comments come as Uruguay prepare for a challenging encounter against their neighbours, who will be without the player who has led their national team for many years.

The defender is familiar with Messi, having previously played alongside the Argentine during the forward’s time at Barcelona.

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Messi’s absence will therefore be a major talking point ahead of Friday’s friendly, with Uruguay hoping to use the situation to their advantage.