Lionel Messi scored a free kick to cap Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Ecuador on Saturday in the Copa America quarter-finals.
The 33-year-old, currently out of contract at Barcelona, contributed to all three goals in the 3-0 win on Saturday.
Messi also assisted the other two goals – once without looking at his target as he made the pass – in a man of the match effort that prompted Nico Gonzalez to say the entire squad draws “confidence and joy” from his play.
Argentina will face Colombia in the final four on Tuesday, and Messi will try to build on his output of four goals and four assists so far in the tournament.
All signs now point to a Brazil vs Argentina final, as the powerhouse sides have ripped through their respective fixtures and now stand just one more win from facing each another with the Copa America trophy up for grabs.
Messi and Neymar have lived up to expectations to help their nations advance to this stage.
The Selecao will play Peru in the semi-final, while the Albiceleste will take on Colombia.
