United States 0-4 Argentina: Messi leads Argentina to Copa final

Lionel Messi became Argentina’s all-time record goalscorer as the two-time world champions beat USA 4-0 to reach the Copa America Centenario final.

Messi curled in a magnificent 32nd-minute free-kick to take his total to 55 goals as the United States’ campaign ended with an emphatic defeat in front of a 70,858 crowd at Houston’s NRG Stadium.

The five-time world player of the year now has five goals in this Copa America as he aims to lead Argentina to their first major title in 23 years.

The five-time world player of the year set up Ezequiel Lavezzi’s opening goal in the third minute, then scored on a free kick to break Argentina’s career scoring record and assisted on the final goal.

“This was the goal when we got here, to play another final, and we made it,” Messi said. “We’ve been playing well from day one and we deserved to be in the final.”

Messi doubled the lead in the 32nd minute with his 55th international goal, his tournament-leading fifth, Gonzalo Higuain quickly ended U.S. comeback hopes when he put the rebound of his initial shot past goalkeeper Brad Guzan in the 50th minute. Higuain scored from a Messi pass in the 86th minute as well.

Messi, who is now one goal clear of Gabriel Batistuta’s mark of 54 goals, added: “I’m happy to have the record, and I’m happy to play with the teammates that have made it possible. I owe it to them.”

Argentina will now face either Chile or Colombia in Sunday’s final at East Rutherford, New Jersey – their third major final in three years after reaching the finals of the 2015 Copa America and 2014 World Cup.

“I’m very happy for him,” Argentina coach Gerardo Martino said. I’m happy that he’s done it here at the Copa America. It is great that the best player in the world is the leading scorer of the Argentina national team.”

A disastrous start for the USA saw the hosts fall behind after only three minutes when they gifted possession to Messi on the edge of the area.

The Argentina captain instantly spotted Lavezzi was unmarked and lofted a first time pass through to the China-based midfielder to head home.

With Argentina monopolising possession, it was only a matter of time before they scored again. Messi caused panic on another foray before being bundled over with a crude challenge by Chris Wondolowski, who was promptly booked.

From the ensuing free-kick, Messi stepped up to curl in his magnificent record-equalling effort and Argentina were 2-0 ahead.

Klinsmann introduced Borussia Dortmund teenager Christian Pulisic at half-time for the ineffective Wondolowski but within five minutes it was 3-0.

Once again, the USA coughed up possession in midfield and from the left flank Lavezzi picked out Higuain in the penalty area.

Higuain’s first shot was saved by Brad Guzan, but the Napoli striker was on hand to tap in the simplest of rebounds.

The hosts earned a brief respite from the onslaught when play was held up after Lavezzi injured himself falling over a hoarding, but Argentina were quickly back in control.

The only surprise was that it took until 86 minutes for Argentina to grab their fourth, Messi pouncing on yet another USA mistake to burst into the box before squaring for Higuain to finish with aplomb.