Mexico open Copa America Centenario with 3-1 win over Uruguay

Mexico opened their Copa America Centenario with a win by beating Uruguay 3-1 as long-serving captain Rafael Marquez scored.

El Tri got the party atmosphere started after only five minutes when Matias Vecino headed into the back of his own net following a superb cross from Andres Guardado.

Vecino's mind was clearly not in the game, and in the 45th minute, the midfielder was a given a second yellow for a foul on Jesus "Tecatito" Corona.

But Mexico failed to capitalize on the numerical advantage, and by contrast, Los Charruas looked double motivated to score the equalizer.

In the 73rd minute, Andres Guardado was sent off for Mexico, leaving El Tri down to ten men for the remainder of the match. Moments later, Diego Godin capitalized on a Carlos Sanchez free-kick to level the score at 1-1.

When the game looked headed for a draw, Rafael Marquez pounced on a loose ball inside the box to emphatically give Mexico the lead.

20-year-old Hirving Lozano proved a headache for the Uruguay defense since coming on in the 55th minute, and his hard work did not go unnoticed when he sent a teasing cross into the box. Raul Jimenez then picked out Hector Herrera, who headed into an empty net to seal the win for El Tri.

Mexico are now unbeaten in their last 20 games, and next will take on Jamaica in their second game of Group C in the Copa America Centenario. Meanwhile, Uruguay will do the same against Venezuela.