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The beginning of September brought us to the beginning of seventh round of CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup 2018 Russia qualifying games, with the biggest game of the round being Argentina against Uruguay in Mendoza.
After a disappointing and heart-breaking penalty shoot-out loss to Chile at the recently concluded Copa America Centenario, Argentina captain Lionel Messi announced his retirement from the national side.
But the love of fans, Argentine media, and some legends of the game forced arguably the best player in the world to reconsider his decision.
New Argentina coach Edgardo Bauza made some interesting calls. Non-playing Manchester United goalkeeper Sergio Romero started in goal, with Pablo Zabaleta, Ramiro Funes Mori, Nicolas Otamendi and Emmanuel Mas in defence.
Biglia and Mascherano strengthened the midfield, Atletico Mineiro forward Lucas Pratto earned his first cap, and Messi, Angel di Maria and Paulo Dybala slotted in just behind him.
Argentina were the better, hungrier side in the first half and Messi gave them the lead just before halftime via deflection off Uruguayan defender Jose Gimenez.
Paulo Dybala was recalled into the side but it turned out to be a bad day for Juventus man, who was given his marching orders in the 56th minute for a foul on Mathias Corujo. But Uruguay could not take advantage of having an extra man, and big names like Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani failed to trouble Romero in goal.
The win moved Argentina to the top of the CONMEBOL qualifying standings, a point ahead of Uruguay, Colombia and Ecuador.
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