🇺🇾 Bielsa-ball has turned Uruguay into serious Copa America contenders
Life after Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani hasn't been so bad for La Celeste!
Lionel Messi knows a Marcelo Bielsa team when he sees one.
While the GOAT never played for Bielsa, both legends are Newell’s Old Boys alumni - born and raised in Rosario. So when Bielsa’s Uruguay beat Argentina in 2026 World Cup qualification, Messi was quick to spot some familiar hallmarks.
“You can see Bielsa's hand on the way Uruguay is playing,” said the 36-year-old. “His style was very recognisable.”
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Uruguay have lost just one of their six World Cup qualifiers under Bielsa. They have beaten Argentina and Brazil - and are playing Bielsa-ball in its most chaotic, purest form.
Not every team Bielsa has coached has fully embraced the 68-year-old’s methods - Muderball isn’t for everyone - but Uruguay look to be a perfect match.
They will be serious contenders at the 2024 Copa America.
