Watch Messi’s brilliant, record-setting goal against the U.S.
U.S. goalkeeper Brad Guzan now has a place on Lionel Messi’s highlight reel.
In the 32nd minute of the Copa America semifinal, Messi stretched Argentina’s lead to 2-0 with a goal on an inch-perfect free kick from outside the U.S. penalty area. With Messi tallying two assists in addition to his memorable goal, Argentina rolled to a 4-0 win on Tuesday night at NRG Stadium in Houston.
There’s just no stopping free kicks like these. Take a bow, Leo Messi. 😱 #USAvARG #MyCopaColors https://t.co/9HeE3OqVMf
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 22, 2016
The stunning left-footed strike was Messi’s 55th goal for Argentina, making him the nation’s all-time leading scorer. He had previously been tied with the previous record holder, Gabriel Batistuta.
GOAL, LIONEL MESSI! He’s now Argentina’s all-time top scorer w/ 55 goals, breaking Gabriel Batistuta’s record! 2-0! pic.twitter.com/hAuCL6cpxn
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 22, 2016
In the third minute of the match, Messi assisted on Argentina’s first goal. The 28-year-old superstar who plays his club football with Barcelona lofted a pass into the U.S. penalty area that teammate Ezequiel Lavezzi directed past Guzan.
Dream start for Argentina, as Lionel Messi and Ezequiel Lavezzi combine for the opener. #USAvARG #MyCopaColors https://t.co/6AdO7NBAOU
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 22, 2016
Argentina took their 2-0 lead into halftime. After the intermission, Gonzalo Higuain added two more goals for La Albiceleste. Messi assisted on the fourth goal after the U.S. turned the ball over in their defensive third.
Leo Messi squares for Gonzalo Higuain, who secures his brace with an easy finish. #USAvARG #MyCopaColors https://t.co/9muwDtYzet
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 22, 2016
Argentina advances to the Copa America final to face either Chile or Colombia on Sunday in New Jersey. The United States will face the loser of the other semifinal in a third-place game on Saturday in Arizona.
“This was the goal when we got here, to play another final, and we made it,” Messi said, via ESPN FC. “We’ve been spectacular from day one and we deserved this.”
https://twitter.com/UnivisionSports/status/745453585001963520?lang=en
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