Lionel Messi scored his 76th worldwide aim and is now just one shy of Pele for the South American file as Argentina beat Ecuador 3-0 on Saturday to achieve the semi-finals of the Copa America.
Messi scored from a late freekick and made the primary two assists as Argentina finally took management of Ecuador and stored the famous person’s dream of profitable his first main worldwide title alive.
On Tuesday on the Mane Garrincha Stadium, Argentina’s rivals shall be Colombia, who beat Uruguay on penalties earlier. Defending champions Brazil and Peru shall be within the second semi-final.
Rodrigo de Paul opened the scoring within the thirty ninth minute on the Olimpico Stadium in Goiânia, tapping in an empty aim as Lautaro Martínez added one other within the 84th with a blast from shut vary. Messi assisted each of their first match for the reason that contract with Barcelona expired.
Messi scored Argentina’s third aim with a free kick from the sting of the field within the ultimate moments of the match. It was his fourth aim within the event.
Strong-favoured Argentina went 1-0 as much as seal a snug victory, dropping a number of probabilities. Ecuador hit the publish within the second half earlier than Martinez doubled Argentina’s lead. But Messi grew to become extra spectacular after 71 minutes when Angel Di Maria changed Giovanni Lo Celso.
Ecuador misplaced to defender Piero Hincapie on a crimson card on the finish of the match after a foul on Di Maria, which gave Argentina a free kick made by Messi.
Messi stated that going to the semi-finals was one among Argentina’s aims for the event.
“Now we have to relax and think about Colombia. They defend well, they have quick counters,” stated the striker. When requested about his efficiency, he summed up: “Individual awards are secondary.”
.
With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
