Messi breaks Argentina goals record

Lionel Messi has become Argentina’s record goal scorer, surpassing Gabriel Batistuta as La Albiceleste routed the United States in the Copa America semi-final.

Messi scored a free-kick to Argentina 2-0 in front and claim his 55th international goal, Gonzalo Higuain going on to score twice, the second from a Messi assist, in a convincing win.

“The objective was to reach another final. We deserve to be there. I’m happy to pass Batistuta’s record and grateful to my teammates. This is thanks to them too,” Messi said post-match, Mundo Deportivo reports.

“Now we have to have peace. Rest, because there are still several days. And when we’re in the final we want to repeat what we did here, a perfect match. I don’t care if it’s Chile or Colombia.”

The Barcelona forward had drawn level with Fiorentina and Roma icon Batistuta by scoring against Venezuela in the previous round and is now the all-time leading scorer for his club, his country, in Clasico games against Real Madrid and in the history of La Liga.

There was also a pitch invader in Argentina’s win over the United States, who ran onto the field to bow at Messi’s feet.

Tags Lionel Messi
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