Xtra Time Web Desk: Lionel Messi scored from a free-kick and was also involved in two assists as Argentina stormed into the semi finals of Copa America 2021 with a 3-0 win over Equador on Saturday. The other two goal scorers for Argentina were Rodrigo De Paul (40’) and Lautaro Martinez (84’). The Albiceleste will face Colombia in the second semifinal who shocked Uruguay, winning 4-2 on penalties after the regulation period ended goalless.
Argentina took the lead in the 40th minute. Messi was at the heart of the move. The talisman found Gonzalez who had clear spaces ahead of him before he was challenged by Galindez. Messi collected the loose ball and found an unmarked Rodrigo De Paul inside the box, who made no mistake from scoring.
A defensive error from Equador led to Argentina scoring their second goal towards the end of the match. Angel Di Maria passed it on to Messi who in turn found Lautaro Martinez rushing from the left. The Inter Milan forward slotted it at the top corner of the net to make the score 2-0.
Argentina got a free kick in the stoppage time as Di Maria was brought down outside the box by Pierro Hincapie. The defender was flashed a second yellow and consequently a red card. Messi took a brilliant freekick to seal the fate of the match.
The 3-0 scoreline will not suggest that Equador were not pushovers as they also got two wonderful chances to take the lead in the first half. But on both occasions captain Valencia spilled the chances.
Argentina will take on Colombia in the second semi final.