Copa America 2021: Scintillating Messi inspires Argentina to a crucial win against Uruguay

Argentina's Lionel Messi against Uruguay’s Luis Suarez and Nicolas De La Cruz
Argentina's Lionel Messi against Uruguay’s Luis Suarez and Nicolas De La Cruz/IMAGO

La Albiceleste edged out Uruguay 1-0 in their second group stage game of Copa America 2021.

Barcelona star Lionel Messi inspired Argentina to a thumping 1-0 win against Uruguay in Copa America as they moved to the top of Group B.

The 33-year-old single-handedly ran riot over the Uruguayans with his elusive dribbles, exceptional ball carrying skills and most importantly, set up the goal for Guido Rodriguez.

Argentina were off to a rocky start in Copa America after settling for a draw against Chile in their opening game. Messi was the only exception in the game as he scored a brilliant free-kick; however, the rest of his teammates failed to offer much support.

The win against Uruguay must have given them huge confidence going forward as Argentina have beaten one of the strongest sides in this edition’s Copa America. However, it wasn’t the start Uruguay would have hoped for, as the defeat saw their 15-match unbeaten streak come to a halt.

Messi on a mission to win the Copa America

We have seen Messi dominate the games on his plenty of times before, but against Uruguay, he looked like a different beast, always willing to win the ball high up the pitch, more often than not showing his leadership qualities. Everything indicates that the six-time Ballon d’Or winner is highly inclined towards winning a long-evading silverware for Albiceleste. The tournament has just begun, but Messi has already bagged two man-of-the-match awards.

Rodriguez stepped up in the absence of Paredes

Guido Rodriguez was named in the starting line-up by Lionel Scaloni after Leandro Paredes suffered an injury. However, the Real Betis midfielder didn’t disappoint as he scored the winning goal and put a shift in the middle of the park. Perhaps, the 27-year-old is coming on the back of a fantastic season in La Liga, where he established himself as one of the best defensive midfielders.

A clinical display from Argentina’s defenders

After constant criticism, Argentina’s defenders put on a solid display against Uruguay, allowing no chances for the likes of Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani. Nicolas Otamendi, who had been error-prone in the previous games, held his nerves while Cristian Romero was at his usual best. Emiliano Martinez would be happy with his first-ever clean sheet with the national team.