Argentina vs. Uruguay: Score, Reaction from World Cup 2018 Qualifier

Argentina moved one step closer to Russia with a 1-0 win over Uruguay in a 2018 World Cup qualifier on Thursday.

The Copa America runners-up were forced to play with just 10 men for the entire second half but played outstanding defense throughout the match to earn an important three points at home. 

Lionel Messi, who was in his first match back from his brief retirement from international football, scored the only goal of the match and showcased the level of play we have come to expect from arguably the best player in the world.

His Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez had some strong chances but wasn't able to get onto the scoresheet for Uruguay.

The win creates a massive shift in the CONMEBOL standings for World Cup qualifying. Argentina earns three points to give the squad 14 total in seven matches, enough for first place in the group. After Brazil's win earlier in the day, a loss would have kept the team in fifth place.

Meanwhile, Uruguay now sits in a three-way tie for second with 13 points.

We are just getting started with 11 matches still to play over the next year. However, little separates the top teams and the ones who go home at the end of qualifying.

JUAN MABROMATA/Getty Images

Argentina looked like the better team for much of the first half, holding possession and getting the majority of chances. Javier Mascherano continued to create looks at the net, although the closest the squad was able to get early was a Paulo Dybala shot off the post.

The home team was finally able to break through when Messi got the ball just outside of the box, shooting it into the back of the net thanks to a deflection off a defender.

BeIn Sports provided a look at the goal in the 43rd minute:

Bleacher Report UK celebrated his score as well:

The mood changed a bit right before halftime when Dybala picked up his second yellow of the match, earning a red card in stoppage time. Alex Moretto of Goal.com noted the 22-year-old forward's disappointment:

Argentina was forced to play with 10 men for the remainder of the match, which led to a bit of a shift in the way the match was played.

Uruguay saw much more possession in the second half and stayed aggressive in the final third. Suarez saw the ball more and created a few quality chances for himself and others, but the outnumbered defense remained solid.

Grant Wahl of Sports Illustrated discussed the excitement involved with the match:

It appeared as though the visitors would break through in the closing minutes, but they couldn't get a good enough shot on net, and the match ended with a clean sheet for Argentina. 

This was an important match for Argentina regardless of opponent, as it featured both Messi's return to action as well as the debut of new manager Edgardo Bauza. 

While some questioned whether the star forward would be at his best, his coach wasn't concerned.

"During our discussion, Leo showed me that he was very motivated," Bauza told FM Uno, per Dejan Kalinic of Goal.com. "We talked about the Copa America, the World Cup. He's fine, and we'll take care of him."

Messi's performance should quiet any remaining doubters going forward.

Both teams return to action on Tuesday for Matchday 8 of qualifying. Uruguay could have a tough road test against Paraguay, while things get much easier for Argentina, which faces Venezuela at home.

Regardless of how things look on paper, however, there are no sure things when it comes to World Cup qualifying.

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