Internet Desk: Latin American giants Argentina demolished United States 4-0 to seal a berth in the final of Copa America Centenario at Houston’s NRG Stadium on Tuesday. Argentine superstar Lionel Messi went on to become the all time leading goal scorer for the country with a magnificent free-kick goal in the 32nd minute. Messi now has scored 55 goals, one more than Gabriel Batistuta. 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 title in 23 years.
The Argentine captain also created the opening goal for his teammate 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.
Argentina made a perfect start to the match taking the lead three minutes into the match. A defensive lapse from United States found Messi on the edge of the area, who instantly passed the ball to an unmarked Lavezzi who made no mistake in finding the back of the net.
Argentina could have doubled their lead five minutes later, when Ever Banega back heeled to pick out Marcos Rojo, who crossed for Messi, only for the Albiceleste skipper to shoot over.
Messi again came close to scoring in the 14th minute when his shot was saved by United States custodian Brad Guzan.
Argentina stretched their lead in the 32nd minute through a Messi free-kick as he was brought down by Chris Wondolowski. The Latin American giants went into the breather with a 2-0 lead.
United States coach 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 US midfielders surrendered their ball possession. Lavezzi took advantage of the ball and curled in a cross from the left flank to find Higuain in the penalty area. His first shot was saved by Guzan, but the Napoli striker was on hand to tap in the simplest of rebounds.
Argentina hit the final nail in the coffin in the dying moments of the match. Messi pounced on yet another US mistake to burst into the box before squaring for Higuain to finish with aplomb.
Argentina will now face either Chile or Colombia in Sunday’s final at East Rutherford, New Jersey.