Argentine star Lionel Messi believes his country has continued to grow since winning the Copa America title and thanked his team-mate goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez for helping Uruguay win.

Argentina beat Uruguay 3-0 on Sunday evening in the South American qualifiers for the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

Messi scored the first goal for the Argentine national team against Uruguay, then Rodrigo de Paul and Laudaro Martinez added the second and third goals for Argentina with 22 points in the qualifiers, six points behind Brazil.

The Argentine national team, coached by Lionel Scaloni, maintained its unbeaten record of 24 consecutive matches in all competitions, defeating the Copa Am பட்டrica title 1-0 in the final last July. Throughout the ten matches he has played so far in qualifying.

Martinez excelled as the goalkeeper for the Argentine national team against Uruguay, where he saved six dangerous balls, including two dangerous Luis Suarez.

Messi generally praised the team’s growth and especially praised Martinez for helping the team return to winning ways after Argentina’s goalless draw with Paraguay last Thursday.

Messi said: “He is an essential element for us. He gives the right answer when we are under pressure. He did it again in this match. We know we have one of the best goalkeepers in the world and we use it a lot.”

Messi added: “Uruguay had clear scoring opportunities, even when they were under our control. A team of this quality can create dangerous chances with nothing.”

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