Atletico Madrid striker Luis Suarez was unable to add to his four goals during the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in the South American section as his Uruguay side went down to the reigning Copa America champions. Luis Suarez was not amongst the goals as Argentina beat Uruguay 3-0 at home to take another step towards qualification for the tournament at the end of next year.

Argentine skipper Messi scored the first goal of the game on 38 minutes after his cross evaded everyone and into the back of the net. De Paul is the teammate of Luis Suarez at club level following his transfer from Italian Serie A side Udinese in the summer and he added a second goal for the Argentines on 44 minutes. Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez scored the lone goal of the second half in the colours of Argentina thus making it a comprehensive scoreline for the latest Copa America winners.

The big home victory over the Uruguayans moved Argentina to within six points of leaders Brazil who could not take maximum points in their latest World Cup qualifier against hosts Colombia. Brazil started the latest set of qualifiers in the CONMEBOL region with an eight-point lead over Argentina and that was reduced to six points after the latest set of games ended in the South American section. As things stand, Brazil have 28 points from ten games after their winning run of nine games was halted by the Colombians, while Argentina have 22 points from ten games. On their part, Uruguay stay in fourth position with 16 points from 11 games despite the big loss to rivals Argentina.