Argentina's national team defeated Uruguay 3-0 on Monday in the South American qualifiers, where it is emerging as one of the favorites.

Messi, who scored his 80th goal for Argentina, authored the first and got the whole country dreaming about Argentina's World Cup chances, in what may be the last of his career, next year. The other goals were scored by Rodrigo De Paul and Lautaro Martinez.

The match was played at the River Stadium to a large crowd of fans under coronavirus post-pandemic rules.

Argentina, which stretched its undefeated streak to 24 matches, reached 22 points in the South American qualifiers. This Thursday, the national team will face Peru, in the same stadium, and the match is sold out.