Argentina 3-0 Ecuador: Lionel Messi puts on a show as Albiceleste reach semis
The Barcelona forward scored a free-kick and set up the other two goals
Lionel Messi’s Argentina sealed their passage to the Copa America semi-finals with a comfortable win over Ecuador.
The Barcelona forward struck the post when through on goal early on, with Lionel Scaloni’s team in control.
Messi did create the opener with a superb pass to dissect the defence and leave Rodrigo de Paul with an open sight of goal.
It was Leo who set up the second goal too, in the 84th minute, as he continued his electric display, with Lautaro Martinez drilling home.
Angel Di Maria was pulled down as he broke into the box near the end and Piero Hincapie was sent off. It was inches away from being a penalty, but it didn’t matter to Messi, who dispatched the free kick with aplomb.
Argentina face Colombia on Wednesday at 3am CET, while Brazil face Peru on Tuesday at 1am CET in the other semi-final.
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