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Messi sets scoring record for Argentina; defeats USA in Copa América semis

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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.

File photo of Lionel Messi
Image: LG전자.

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 Booked after 31 minutes 31' 0–2 (HT) Ezequiel Lavezzi Scored after 3 minutes 3'
Lionel Messi Scored after 32 minutes 32'
Gonzalo Higuaín Scored after 50', 85 or 86 minutes 50', 85 or 86'


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