Argentina’s talisman scored a brace in his team’s 4-1 win over Bolivia, which secured the top spot for his team in their Copa America group. He also surpassed Javier Mascherano’s total to become his nation’s leading appearance maker.
The forward was handed his 148th international cap by Lionel Scaloni, and Barca forward marked his achievement by scoring two and assisting one against Bolivia. Argentina, consequently, finished top of their Copa America group with 10 points, four wins, one draw and no losses.
Argentina took the lead in the sixth minute – a reward for their bright start to the match. Messi was instrumental in the breakthrough goal as he chipped the ball over the defence and into the path of Alejandro Gomez, who volleyed it home. Gomez returned the favour just past the hour mark when a foul on him inside the box allowed Messi the chance to score from the spot – which he took.
Messi’s second goal of the night came just before half-time and effectively sealed the result for Argentina, along with their position as the group winners. The Barcelona striker’s run was picked out perfectly by his new club teammate Sergio Aguero. Subsequently, he lifted the ball over the goalkeeper, whose decision to leave his line to close down the space proved to be a bad one.
Bolivia pulled a goal back in the 60th minute when Erwin Saavedra smashed the ball into the roof of the net from close range. However, Lautaro Martinez restored Argentina’s three-goal lead five minutes later, as he bundled the ball home from inside the box.
Argentina will face Ecuador in the quarter-finals after the latter finished fourth in their group. Should they beat their next opponents, the Albiceleste will square up against either Uruguay or Colombia in the semi-finals – the stage where they exited the competition last time around. Meanwhile, Brazil, Chile, Peru, or Paraguay will be waiting for them in the final, provided they clear their remaining hurdles.
