Argentina cemented their status as favourites to top the South American World Cup qualifying group by getting one over on their old rivals Uruguay with a 3-0 win.

Sergio Aguero scored the second goal in Mendoza and Lionel Messi scored a brace as Argentina stretched their lead on Uruguay.

Pablo Zabaleta also played the full 90 minutes in this impressive performance by Sabella’s men. Uruguay held out until the 65th minute until the world’s best player Messi scored from close range to give Argentina the lead.

10 minutes later, Messi found Di Maria on the left hand side who played in an inviting cross for Aguero to finish from close range. Messi completed the scoring on 80 minutes with a precise free-kick.

The telepathic relationship between Messi and Aguero has been a feature of Argentina’s qualifying campaign so far, with South American journalists lost for superlatives on the pair’s performances.

“There are no more words for him. He is unique,” said Aguero of Messi.

“I finished the game in perfect condition and I’m ready to repeat this performance against Chile.”

...Sergio Aguero..

 

Messi was also pleased with his night’s work.

“I’m very happy for all these people in Mendoza. We overcame very hard rivals and we did it in a clear way,” he said.

“We mustn’t forget that Uruguay are the last Copa America champions, therefore this was a big triumph.

“The squad is stronger every day and we are playing with confidence.

“Now, if we can beat Chile next Tuesday we will be very close to the next World Cup.”