The iconic home of Boca Juniors, La Bombonera, was the venue for this fiery contest between two historic rivals.
The expectant home faithful would have been relieved to see Liverpool forward Núñez waste a golden opportunity in the 10th minute, dragging his effort wide after racing through on goal.
Núñez’s warning shot seemed to awaken Lionel Messi, who evaded the challenge of Mathías Olivera to send a curling long-range effort into the grateful clutches of Sergio Rochet.
However, after beating Brazil in their previous outing, Uruguay were not going to be intimidated by the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner or the reigning World Champions.
Their willingness to press high, a typical trait of a Bielsa side, ultimately paid dividends in the 41st minute.
Matías Viña fought hard to win possession back near the byline, before teeing up his fellow full-back Araújo to fire past Rochet – a strike that saw the Barcelona man become the first player to score against Argentina since Kylian Mbappé in the 2022 World Cup final.
With La Albiceleste trailing for the first time since losing to Saudi Arabia in the World Cup group stage, Scaloni opted to make a change at HT, introducing the in-form Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martínez.
Ángel Di María quickly followed off the bench, and the Benfica winger nearly made an immediate impact, winning a free-kick which Messi clipped against the crossbar.
After seeing Messi go close, the visitors would have been pleased to see the second half descend into a cagey affair, as they attempted to run down the clock on Argentina’s unbeaten run.
As the contest entered the final 10 minutes, Rochet was forced into action to push Martínez’s header over the bar.
However, with the hosts flooding forward, Núñez exploited the space left behind to race away and slot through the legs of Emiliano Martínez and put the result beyond question.
A first win over Argentina since 2013 moves Uruguay to within two points of La Albiceleste, who remain top of the standings despite defeat.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Ronald Araújo (Uruguay)
