Topics: Copa América Centenario, México, Uruguay, Rafa Márquez
The former Barcelona defender stepped up and delivered a crucial goal for El Tri, keeping their unbeaten streak alive and granting them their first Copa América win since 2007.

When things seemed to be getting tougher for Mexico,one of their most experienced players showed his class.

Mexican legend Rafa Márquez, the only player from that country to win the UEFA Champions League, managed to score his first-ever Copa América goal tonight. If that wasn't enough, Rafa's strike was crucial to lead the way for Mexico's 3-1 win against Uruguay.

An own goal by Alvaro Pereira had given Mexico the lead after the first three minutes, but Diego Godín's equalizer following Andrés Guardado's sending off complicated things for the North American side.

With five minutes left in the game, Márquez drilled a powerful shot into the back of Fernando Muslera's net, giving fans something to celebrate and helping Mexico get a grip on a lead they wouldn't lose again.

FC Porto's Héctor Herrera added a third goal for Mexico during stoppage time, paving the way for Mexico's further games.

With this win, Mexico takes the top spot in Group C, following Venezuela's 1-0 victory against Jamaica. Mexico's next match will be held on Thursday, when El Tri faces the Reggae Boyz. On the other hand, Uruguay will have to fight hard for a spot in the KO stages, as Oscar Tabarez's team gets ready to face La Vinotinto.

Here's how fans and experts reacted to Marquez's goal.

"Oldest players to score in a Copa América game."