Messi Becomes Argentina’s All-time Record Goal-Scorer

Lionel Messi became Argentina’s all-time record goal-scorer as the two-time world champions outclassed USA 4-0 to reach the Copa America Centenario final.Messi achieved the feat as he curled in a magnificent 32nd-minute free-kick to take his total to 55 goals.The five-time world player of the year has now scored five goals in this Copa America as he aims to lead Argentina to their first major title in 23 years.The Barcelona forward was also the chief architect as he created Argentina’s opening goal for Ezequiel Lavezzi and was involved in the build-up for their third, scored by Gonzalo Higuain in the 50th minute. Messi then assisted for Higuain’s second four minutes from time.“We’ve been playing well from day one and we deserve to be in the final,” Messi said.Messi, who has now surpassed Gabriel Batistuta’s 54 goals, added: “I’m happy to have the record, and I’m happy to play with the teammates that have made it possible. I owe it to them.”Argentina will now face either Chile or Colombia in Sunday’s final at East Rutherford, New Jersey – their third major final in three years after reaching the finals of the 2015 Copa America and 2014 World Cup.