Argentina crushed Bolivia 4-1 Monday in their last match of the group stage of the Copa America football, thanks to a brace from a “magical” Lionel Messi, who became the most selected player the same evening. of the history of the albiceleste team.
The star striker of FC Barcelona has consolidated his legend by scoring his 75th goal in his 148th selection. Argentina thus finished at the head of group A ahead of Uruguay, who won (1-0) against Paraguay on a penalty converted by Edinson Cavani.
Already eliminated after three defeats, Bolivia were dominated from the start of the match by an Argentinian team brilliantly led by their captain to the lawn of the Arena Pantanal in Cuiaba, Brazil. From the 6th minute, Alejandro “Papu” Gomez opened the scoring for the albicelestes with his left foot, on a masterful aerial pass from Messi.
The nightmare was just beginning for the Bolivians. In the 33rd minute, the same Messi converted a penalty awarded to the Argentines for a foul committed in the box by Diego Bejarano on “Papu” Gomez. Less than ten minutes later, Barça’s star scored his second goal, served by Agüero.
Erwin Saavedra reduced the score in the 60th minute for Bolivia. But Argentina drove home the point five minutes later with a goal from Lautaro Martinez, who had just entered the field to replace Agüero.
At 34, Lionel Messi has stolen from Javier Mascherano the title of player most called up by his national team. And with 75 goals, he consolidates his title of all-time top scorer for the Argentina team.
Argentina, who signs their tenth consecutive unbeaten encounter, will face Ecuador in the quarter-finals in Goiânia on Saturday.
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