US take on Messi’s Argentina in semis, look to extend unlikely Copa run

After an opening 2-0 loss to Colombia, a last-four appearance seemed a lofty objective but Klinsmann’s squad responded with wins against Costa Rica, Paraguay and Ecuador to set up a clash against the South American giants.

Prior to the start of the Copa America Centenario, United States coach Juergen Klinsmann had set the semi-finals as a target but will now need a new goal as the hosts prepare to take on top-ranked Argentina for a spot in the final.

Messi did not start a match until the quarters but has four goals and trails only Chile’s Eduardo Vargas (six) for the tournament’s Golden Boot. (AP)

After an opening 2-0 loss to Colombia, a last-four appearance seemed a lofty objective but Klinsmann’s squad responded with wins against Costa Rica, Paraguay and Ecuador to set up a clash against the South American giants in Houston.

The United States will enjoy home-field advantage on Tuesday but that is likely to be the only thing in their favour as they take on the world’s top-ranked team led by the world’s best player in Lionel Messi.

“This is a special moment. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Klinsmann said in a report on the US Soccer website. “You got into the semi-final, you made yourself proud, now go for more.”

Klinsmann’s team will have to find a way to keep Messi quiet if they are to stand any chance of making the final.

Reaching the Copa final would be the greatest achievement of Klinsmann’s five-year tenure with the United States and quiet speculation about his future with the team.

Certainly all the pressure will be on Argentina, who are the only team in the tournament to win all four of their matches, including a ruthless 4-1 quarter-final win against Venezuela.

If the US are to have any chance of reaching the June 26th final they will have to find a way of containing Messi, who is one goal shy of becoming Argentina’s all-time top scorer.

Messi, who turns 29 on Friday, has a trophy case packed with individual and club honours but the Barcelona man is still seeking his first international trophy in Argentine colours.

Back to full fitness after starting the tournament coming off the bench due to back problems, Messi did not start a match until the quarters but has four goals and trails only Chile’s Eduardo Vargas (six) for the tournament’s Golden Boot.

While Messi is the undisputed headliner for Argentina, the team are far from a one-man show.

The US will have plenty of bases to cover facing a lineup that includes Messi’s Barcelona teammate Javier Mascherano and the Manchester City duo of defender Nicolas Otamendi and forward Sergio Agüero, who was second in Premier League scoring last season.

“We don’t want to make (Argentina) out to be mission impossible,” said US midfielder Michael Bradley.

“At the end of the day, whoever is sharper, whoever has more guys who can compete at a high level and understand the moment, that’s typically which team has a better chance to win.”