Lionel Messi became Argentina's all-time record goalscorer as the two-time world champions outclassed the United States 4-0 to reach the Copa America Centenario final on Tuesday.
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 Barcelona superstar also created Argentina's opening goal for Ezequiel Lavezzi and was involved in the build-up for their third, scored by Gonzalo Higuain in the 50th minute. Messi then laid on the pass for Higuain's second four minutes from time.
"We've been playing well from day one and we deserve to be in the final," said a delighted Messi, dedicating his goals tally to the work of his teammates.
"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," said Messi, who is now one clear of Gabriel Batistuta's mark of 54 goals.Labels: Argentina, Argentina's all-time record goalscorer, Copa America, Cultism, Houston's NRG Stadium, Lionel Messi, Teenager hacked to death, USA vs Argentina
