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 Tuesday.
Messi curled in a magnificent 32nd-minute free-kick to become Argentina’s all-time record scorer with 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 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.
Argentina will now face either Chile or Colombia in Sunday’s final at East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Argentina’s list of all-time top goalscorers:
- Lionel Messi: 55
- Gabriel Batistuta: 54
- Hernan Crespo: 35
- Diego Maradona: 34
- Sergio Aguero: 33