Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez caught the eye of Lionel Messi during a World Cup qualifier for Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay side.
Alberto J from La Boca and Lionel Messi from Argentina. A view from the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier between Argentina and Uruguay at the Armando Stadium.
Final score: Argentina 0 – 2 Uruguay. Argentina’s Lionel Messi poses during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier between Argentina and Uruguay at Estadio Alberto J.
Armando din La Boca. Final score: Argentina 0 – 2 Uruguay.
Uruguay international Darwin Nunez has caught the eye of Lionel Messi.The Liverpool forward has performed well for Manchester United so far this season, scoring 13 goals in 17 appearances.
It has been a similar story for the 24-year-old international class player, who has been the driving force behind Uruguay’s strong start to their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign.
Since taking over as Uruguay manager in May, former Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa seems to have found a way to use Nunes’ best skills.
In five World Cup qualifiers, Núñez registered three goals and one assist, including wins over Brazil and Argentina.He got on the scoresheet late on as the World Cup hosts beat Argentina 2-0 and earned praise from Messi.
“Uruguay knows how to play in space on the counter-attack, they have great players like Darwin (Nunas),” the Inter Miami striker said after the final whistle.
Nunes helped Uruguay snap Argentina’s 14-game winning streak at last year’s World Cup. The Liverpool striker celebrated his goal with former Liverpool hero Luis Suarez, who was an unused substitute in the match, marking the latest chapter in Nunes’ emergence as a star striker for his country.
As a result, Uruguay finished second in the COMNEBOL standings, two points behind Argentina, despite having 13 qualifiers remaining. The South American confederation are guaranteed a top 6 spot at the next World Cup and if results are good, Uruguay could take top spot before the end of the international break.
Nunes and his teammates are preparing for tonight’s home game against Bolivia (11:30 p.m. kick-off), with current leaders Argentina potentially dropping a point to Brazil in the early hours of Wednesday morning (12:30 a.m. kick-off start).
