Argentina’s talismanic skipper Lionel Messi marked his record 148th international with two goals in a 4-1 victory over Bolivia at the Copa America on Monday.<\/p>\n
Messi celebrated his record 148th international cap to overtake Javier Mascherano and capped his achievement with two goals as Argentina trounced Bolivia 4-1 to clinch top spot in Copa America Group A on Monday.<\/p>\n
Messi marked his 148th appearance in style, setting up the opening goal before bagging a brace of his own.<\/p>\n
Bolivia, who had already been eliminated after three defeats in their opening three games, were outclassed from the outset by a rampant Argentina.<\/p>\n
The Argentines almost took the lead after three minutes, only for Bolivia goalkeeper Carlos Lampe to pull off a remarkable double save from Sergio Aguero and Angel Correa in quick succession.<\/p>\n
But Argentina did not have to wait long for the breakthrough, when Messi’s delightful chipped pass released Papu Gomez who volleyed past Lampe to make it 1-0 after six minutes.<\/p>\n
Argentina doubled their lead on 33 minutes when Gomez was brought down in the area by Bolivia’s Diego Bejarano.<\/p>\n
Messi duly stepped up to convert the penalty to put Argentina firmly in control.<\/p>\n
Bolivia got their first shot on goal shortly afterwards, Jeyson Chura’s ferocious long-range effort forcing Argentina goalkeeper Franco Armani into a diving save at full stretch.<\/p>\n
But Argentina reasserted their dominance and it was Messi who made it 3-0, latching on to a clever lofted pass from new Barcelona team-mate Aguero and lobbing a cheeky finish over the advancing Lampe.<\/p>\n
Bolivia pulled a goal back in the 60th minute with a cleverly worked move, Chura’s deft back heel releasing Leonel Justiniano down the right flanke who crossed for Erwin Saavedra to score.<\/p>\n
Argentina responded swiftly though, substitute Lautaro Martinez tapping in from close range in the 65th minute just two minutes after coming on for Aguero.<\/p>\n
The victory at Cuiaba’s Arena Pantanal stadium sees Argentina advance to a quarter-final on Saturday against Ecuador, the fourth placed finishers from Group B.<\/p>\n
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