Lionel Messi has set up a semifinal with Colombia at the Copa America.
Gatekeepers News reports that Lionel Messi has scored one goal and created two assists as Argentina beat Ecuador 3-0 in Goiania on Saturday to qualify for the Copa America semi-finals.
Although Messi missed the best chance of the game when he was through on the keeper but saw his shot come back off the post, he later initiated two goals for Rodrigo De Paul and Lautaro Martinez before firing home an injury-time free-kick to cap a stunning individual performance.
His goal on Saturday was the 76th of his career for the Albiceleste.
The Ecuadorians who had been competitive throughout became one man down on the 93rd minute and witnessed a harsh exit from the tournament.
It was also a huge disappointment for United’s Edinson Cavani and Atletico Madrid’s Luis Suarez, who both converted their spot-kicks but almost certainly have played in their last Copa.
Messi said, “I’ve always said that individual prizes are secondary, we’re here for something else. We have an objective and we’re focused on that.”
“It was a hard match, we know how difficult an opponent they can be. The important thing is we’ve taken another step forward.”
Albiceleste were unbeaten in 17 games coming into the game and they should have put the result beyond doubt earlier than they did.
On Tuesday, the 14-time winners will play Colombia, who overcame Uruguay on penalties earlier on Saturday.
Brazil face Peru in the first semifinal 24 hours before.