Copa America: Lionel Messi inspires Argentina to set up Colombia semi-final
America #America
Messi is aiming to help Argentina win the Copa America for the first time since 1993
Lionel Messi scored a free-kick and set up two goals to inspire Argentina to a 3-0 win over Ecuador and set up a Copa America semi-final against Colombia.
The 34-year-old forward provided assists for Rodrigo de Paul after 41 minutes and Lautaro Martinez late on.
He then curled in a free-kick in injury time after Piero Hincapie was sent off for a foul on Angel di Maria.
Last-four opponents Colombia beat Uruguay 4-2 on penalties following a goalless draw.
“I’ve always said that individual prizes are secondary – we’re here for something else,” said Messi, whose goal was his 76th for his country. “We have an objective and we’re focused on that.”
Messi, who is a free agent after his contract with Barcelona ran out, could have given his side the lead early on but hit the post with a shot when through on goal.
He added: “It was a hard match. We know how difficult an opponent they can be. The important thing is we’ve taken another step forward.”
Argentina, who have not won the Copa America since 1993, face Colombia, whose only win in the tournament came in 2001, at 02:00 BST on Wednesday.
Former Arsenal keeper David Ospina was Colombia’s hero after he saved penalties from Jose Maria Gimenez and Matias Vina in the penalty shootout.
Ospina, 32, was making his 112th international appearance, becoming his country’s most capped player.
“David has always been a leader,” said Colombia coach Reinaldo Rueda.
“He’s very cerebral when it comes to penalties. That’s a big help to our team.”
Line-ups Argentina
Formation 4-3-3
23Martínez
26Molina6Pezzella19Otamendi8Acuña
7de Paul5Paredes20Lo Celso
10Messi22Martínez15González
Substitutes
Ecuador
Formation 4-3-3
1Galindez
17Preciado4Arboleda3Hincapie7Estupiñán
21Franco10Gruezo20Méndez
15Mena13E Valencia27Palacios
Substitutes
Referee: Wilton Pereira Sampaio Live Text
Match ends, Argentina 3, Ecuador 0.
90’+6′
Second Half ends, Argentina 3, Ecuador 0.
90’+6′
Attempt missed. Ángel Mena (Ecuador) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by Enner Valencia.
90’+5′
Attempt missed. Moisés Caicedo (Ecuador) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the right. Assisted by Enner Valencia.
90’+4′
Substitution, Argentina. Sergio Agüero replaces Lautaro Martínez.
90’+3′
Goal! Argentina 3, Ecuador 0. Lionel Messi (Argentina) from a free kick with a left footed shot to the top right corner.
90’+2′
Piero Hincapie (Ecuador) is shown the red card.
90′
VAR Decision: No Penalty Argentina.
88′
Foul by Piero Hincapie (Ecuador).
88′
Ángel Di María (Argentina) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
84′
Goal! Argentina 2, Ecuador 0. Lautaro Martínez (Argentina) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the top right corner. Assisted by Lionel Messi.
84′
Ángel Mena (Ecuador) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
84′
Foul by Rodrigo de Paul (Argentina).
83′
Substitution, Ecuador. Leonardo Campana replaces Ángelo Preciado.
83′
Substitution, Argentina. Nicolás Tagliafico replaces Nicolás González.
80′
Corner, Ecuador. Conceded by Emiliano Martínez.
80′
Attempt saved. Gonzalo Plata (Ecuador) left footed shot from a difficult angle on the right is saved in the bottom right corner. Assisted by Ángelo Preciado.
79′
Attempt missed. Nicolás González (Argentina) right footed shot from the left side of the box is high and wide to the right. Assisted by Marcos Acuña.
78′
Guido Rodríguez (Argentina) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
78′
Foul by Enner Valencia (Ecuador).
