Darwin Nunez returned to form by scoring a hat-trick for Uruguay as they thumped Mexico 4-0.

Nunez, 24, endured a difficult end to the season for Liverpool as he netted just once in their final 11 league games, amid rumours of a fall-out with outgoing boss Jurgen Klopp. 

However, he put in an inspired display for Uruguay on Wednesday night as Marcelo Bielsa's side stepped up their preparation for the Copa America this summer. 

Taking on Mexico in Denver in a pre-tournament friendly, Nunez opened the scoring after seven minutes as he reacted quickest to poke home following a scramble in the box.

Man United winger Facundo Pellistri made it two shortly after, before Nunez linked up with Maximiliano Araujo to put his side 3-0 up before half-time.

Darwin Nunez (left) emphatically returned to form as he scored a hat-trick against Mexico

Nunez then tapped in a cross from Pellistri to complete his hat-trick in the 49th minute and he was soon replaced by Facundo Torres. 

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The striker's treble also made it eight goals in his last five caps for Uruguay. 

'I'm really happy with the result because the team has worked very well,' Nunez said post-match. 

'For us, it wasn't a friendly match, we came here with the mentality of playing a good match and winning it'

Their latest victory comes amid a rejuvenation for Uruguay since former Leeds boss Bielsa came in as manager in May 2023.

The Sky Blues had suffered an embarrassing group stage exit at the 2022 World Cup, but they have won eight of 12 games under Bielsa and are tipped as dark horses for the Copa America.

Despite the thumping victory, Bielsa remained humble after the game as he said: 'The result was misleading in the first half, Mexico could have scored and the game would have been different.

'When the gaps in the field are big, it's easier to play well.'

Nunez has now netted 11 goals in 23 games for his country and will next be in action when this summer's tournament gets underway.

Uruguay have been drawn in Group C, alongside hosts the US, Panama and Bolivia.