Thiago Almada's stunning strike handed a depleted Argentina team a 1-0 win over rivals Uruguay on Friday, and inched them closer to World Cup qualification.

Almada's curling effort in the 68th minute decided a contest lacking in clear-cut chances, which ended with the reigning world and Copa America champions down to 10 men following Nicolas Gonzalez's stoppage-time red card.

Both teams managed just one shot on target apiece in the first half, with Sergio Rochet and Emiliano Martinez mere spectators for most of the opening period.

Argentina, who had seen Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martinez withdraw from their squad in the build-up to the game, improved after the break as Almada forced a smart two-handed stop from Rochet.

But the Uruguay goalkeeper was given no chance by the Lyon midfielder later on, as he curled a spectacular strike into the far corner from 25 yards out.

#Eliminatorias

¡Nos volvemos a encontrar el martes, Albicelestes! pic.twitter.com/vGv1o1riYl
— Selección Argentina (@Argentina) March 22, 2025

Marcelo Bielsa's hosts never came close to mustering a response from there, with the only other incident of note seeing substitute Gonzalez sent off deep into stoppage time.

In the 95th minute, Gonzalez caught Nahitan Nandez on the neck with a high boot and received a straight red card for serious foul play.

That dismissal means he will be suspended for Tuesday's clash with Brazil, in which a point will see Argentina seal qualification for next year's tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

They are six points clear of second-placed Ecuador in the CONMEBOL standings, and have a 15-point buffer over Bolivia in the play-off spot. Uruguay are seven clear of Bolivia and are also highly likely to qualify.

Data Debrief: No Messi, no problem

An adductor injury suffered in Inter Miami's MLS match against Atlanta United forced Messi to withdraw from Argentina's squad for these qualifiers, but La Albiceleste found a way to win without their talisman.

They were limited to chances worth just 0.71 expected goals (xG), having less possession (44.9%) and fewer final-third entries (45 to 77) than their hosts.

But they were excellent in defence, limiting Bielsa's team to just six shots worth 0.19 xG. They have allowed the fewest shots (83) and expected goals against (7.03 xGA) in the South American qualification group thus far.