July 3, 2021 Argentina's Lionel Messi in action with Ecuador's Robert Arboleda REUTERSLionel Messi scored a free kick and served up two assists as Argentina beat Ecuador 3-0 on Saturday to set themselves up for a Copa America semi-final against Colombia. The Barcelona player then got his second free kick off the tournament in stoppage time to round out a scoreline that was more convincing than the performance. It was his 76th goal for Argentina, taking him to within one of Pele's South American record. Underdogs Ecuador came into the match without a win in their last six games but they had chances to score against a team seeking their first Copa America triumph since 1993. The result means Argentina will face Colombia, who overcame Uruguay on penalties earlier in the day, in the second Copa America semi-final on Tuesday.

Source: Standard Digital July 04, 2021 03:11 UTC