When Darwin Núñez stepped onto the pitch at Empower Field at Mile High on June 5, 2024, few expected he’d leave with three goals and a spotlight that would shine all the way to the 2024 Copa América. But that’s exactly what happened. In a stunning 4-0 rout of Mexico national football team, the 25-year-old Liverpool Football Club striker delivered a performance that didn’t just win a friendly—it sent a message. This wasn’t just preparation. It was a warning.
What Happened on the Pitch?
Núñez opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a powerful header off a precise cross, then doubled Uruguay’s lead in the 37th with a clinical left-footed finish after a blistering counterattack. By halftime, the Asociación Uruguaya de Fútbol side was already in control. The third goal came just after the hour mark—a solo run, a feint past two defenders, and a low drive into the far corner. It was the kind of moment that makes scouts lean forward in their seats. The fourth, an unassisted tap-in from a rebound, sealed the rout. No one on the Mexican side could contain him. Not the center-backs. Not the fullbacks. Not even the goalkeeper.
ESPN’s match analysis called it “a masterclass in predatory finishing,” while FOX Sports noted Uruguay’s midfield—led by Matías Vecino and Rodrigo Bentancur—controlled possession with ruthless efficiency. Mexico, by contrast, looked disjointed. Passes were rushed. Defensive lines collapsed under pressure. And when Núñez got the ball, the entire Mexican backline seemed to freeze.
Why This Match Mattered More Than a Friendly
Let’s be clear: this wasn’t just a tune-up. It was a pressure test. The 2024 Copa América kicks off in less than three weeks, and for Mexico national football team, this loss was a wake-up call. They’ve struggled in recent friendlies—drawing 1-1 with Ecuador just days before—and now they’re staring at a tournament opener against the host nation, the United States, with serious doubts about their defense.
For Uruguay, it was the opposite. After a shaky 2022 World Cup campaign and questions about their attacking options, Núñez’s hat trick answered every criticism. His pace, physicality, and finishing have always been there—but now, he’s putting it all together under pressure. And he’s doing it for his country, not just Liverpool. The Asociación Uruguaya de Fútbol has long relied on its gritty, defensive identity. But with Núñez in form, they might be evolving into something more dangerous.
The Bigger Picture: Tournament Implications
Group C of the 2024 Copa América features Uruguay, the United States, Panama, and Bolivia. That’s a tough draw—but now, Uruguay looks like the team to beat in that group. Núñez’s confidence is infectious. His teammates are playing with more freedom. And with Luis Suárez still around as a veteran presence, the blend of youth and experience feels balanced.
Meanwhile, Mexico finds itself in Group A with the United States, Jamaica, and Venezuela. Their opener against the U.S. on June 20 just got a lot harder. The 4-0 loss isn’t just a number—it’s a psychological scar. Coach Gerardo Martino now has to rebuild trust in his backline, and fast. And with no clear answers from the bench, fans are already asking: Is this the same team that won the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup?
What’s Next for Both Teams?
Uruguay’s next match is a final tune-up against Costa Rica on June 13 in Houston. They’ll likely rest Núñez for parts of it, but the message is clear: they’re not just showing up. They’re here to win. And if he keeps scoring like this, they might just do it.
Mexico, on the other hand, heads to Atlanta for a June 12 friendly against Jamaica—a chance to reset, but also a chance to prove they’re not the team that collapsed in Denver. The pressure is mounting. And with the U.S. crowd already primed for a showdown, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
One thing’s certain: Darwin Núñez didn’t just score three goals. He changed the narrative of this tournament before it even began.
Frequently Asked Questions
How significant is Darwin Núñez’s hat trick for Uruguay’s Copa América chances?
Núñez’s hat trick isn’t just a highlight reel moment—it’s a game-changer. Before this match, Uruguay’s attack was seen as a question mark. Now, with Núñez in peak form and scoring in high-pressure situations, they’ve got a reliable goal scorer who can single-handedly win games. His three goals came against a CONCACAF side with World Cup pedigree, making it far more than a friendly stat. This gives Uruguay a legitimate edge in Group C, especially against Panama and Bolivia.
Why was this match played in Denver, not in South America or Mexico?
The 2024 Copa América is being hosted in the United States, so teams are using U.S. venues for final preparations. Denver’s high altitude (5,280 feet) mimics conditions in some host cities like Denver and Atlanta, where teams will face physical challenges. Playing at Empower Field at Mile High gave both squads real-world testing conditions—not just a warm-up, but a simulation of tournament pressure.
Did Mexico’s defense collapse, or was it just Núñez that good?
It was both. Núñez is elite—he’s got the strength to hold off defenders and the speed to burn them. But Mexico’s backline looked lost. Center-backs failed to mark him tightly, fullbacks were slow to recover, and goalkeeper Alfredo Talavera made no standout saves. The fourth goal, a simple rebound tap-in, shouldn’t have happened. This wasn’t just one player outperforming his opponent—it was a systemic breakdown. And with the U.S. coming up next, those flaws could be fatal.
What does this mean for Liverpool’s plans for Núñez next season?
Liverpool’s coaching staff will be thrilled. Núñez’s performance in Denver proves he can deliver under pressure on the international stage—something he’s been criticized for lacking at club level. If he carries this form into the 2024-25 Premier League season, he could become their primary striker, especially with Mohamed Salah’s contract nearing its end. His physicality and finishing make him a perfect fit for Jurgen Klopp’s system, and this hat trick could be the turning point in his Anfield career.
Is this result a sign that CONMEBOL teams are outpacing CONCACAF sides?
Not necessarily—but it does highlight a gap in execution. Mexico has world-class talent, but their tactical discipline and defensive cohesion still lag behind traditional CONMEBOL powerhouses like Uruguay, Argentina, and Brazil. Uruguay’s compact shape, relentless pressing, and clinical finishing exposed Mexico’s inability to handle physical, organized football. It’s not about talent—it’s about structure. And that’s something CONMEBOL teams have honed for decades.
Will the 4-0 loss affect Mexico’s chances in the 2024 Copa América?
It absolutely will. Confidence is everything in tournament football, and a 4-0 defeat to a rival just weeks before the opener shakes belief. Mexico now enters the tournament with a major red flag: can their defense hold up against the U.S., Jamaica, or Venezuela? If they can’t fix their central defensive pairing and lack of midfield cover, even a draw in their opening match might not be enough to advance. This loss could haunt them longer than any win could help.