Sports
Copa America: Two Assists, One Free Kick And Messi Helps Argentina To Semifinal
By Ekene Dike
Lionel Messi whipped up the magic with two assists and a free-kick goal to help Argentina outclass Ecuador 3-0 in the final quarter-final game of the CONMEBOL Copa America 2021. Goals from Rodrigo De Paul, Lautaro Martinez and Lionel Messi were what was required to send Ecuador packing. Up next, they have a clash against Colombia in the semi-final.
Lionel Scaloni’s side began the game on top with control of the ball and camped in the opposition half.
Despite this, it took until 14 minutes to get a shot on goal as Lautaro Martínez latched on to a long pass from Germán Pezzella. He beat goalkeeper Hernán Galíndez but was denied by an Iván Arboleda block.
On 16 minutes, Pezzella had an effort of his own with a header which hit the Ecuadorian woodwork. A few minutes later Lionel Messi worked a chance, beating Galíndez but also hitting the post.
Ecuador were pushed back but they did carve out some chances of their own. Méndez had a shot that was well saved by Emiliano Martínez before both Enner Valencia and Alan Franco failed to connect with a cross in a dangerous area. Any contact would have resulted in a goal but the chance could not be taken.
Just before the break, Argentina took the lead. Nicolás González was denied by goalkeeper Galíndez but the ball broke to Messi who found De Paul with a smart, disguised pass and the Udinese man found the corner with 2 defenders on the line.
Argentina had a final effort before the halftime whistle but Galíndez made an incredible double save to prevent a second.
In the second half, Messi remained a constant menace to the Ecuadorian defense, his mazy runs and top notch passing were phenomenal.
The game remained in the balance until the final five minutes when Argentina were able to finish the job. Ángel Di María came off the bench and pressed Piero Hincapié with Lionel Messi who squared the loose ball to Lautaro Martínez to bring an end to the game as a contest.
With few minutes remaining a Lionel Messi freekick was the icing on the cake for Argentina as they marched on to the semi-finals.
Argentina keep their dream alive of their first Copa America title in 28 years.
Nonetheless, Lionel Messi has now rattled four goals and four assists which makes him the highest goalscoring player and highest assists provider in the competition. He has also won four man-of-the-match awards so far.
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