Friday, June 24, 2016
On Tuesday, Argentina defeated the United States 4–0 in the Copa América Centenario semi-final with Gonzalo Higuaín scoring a brace in the second half. Argentinine Lionel Messi scored his 55th international goal from a free kick setting the nation’s scoring record.
Ezequiel Lavezzi scored from Messi’s assist in the third minute, providing Argentina an early lead. In the 31st minute, Argentina won a free-kick as Chris Wondolowski fouled Messi.
Equalling Gabriel Batistuta’s scoring record in the previous match against Venezuela winning 4–1, Messi scored his 55th international goal in the 32nd minute from a free kick in the top right corner.
In the second half, Higuaín scored from Brad Guzan’s saved rebound making the score 3–0 in the 50th minute. Messi assisted Higuaín around the 86th minute for the fourth goal of the match.
Argentina is to face defending champions Chile in the final in East Rutherford, New Jersery, a rematch of last year’s final.
Debuting eleven years ago, Messi has scored five goals in the World Cup and seven in the Copa América.
| 20:00, June 21, 2016 (UTC-5) | |||
| United States | 0–4 | Argentina | NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas Attendance: 70,858 Referee: Enrique Cáceres, Paraguay |
| Chris Wondolowski 31′ | 0–2 (HT) | Ezequiel Lavezzi 3’Lionel Messi 32’Gonzalo Higuaín 50′, 85 or 86′ |