FOXBOROUGH: Argentina and Chile advanced to the semifinals of the Copa America on Saturday with Chile beating Mexico 7-0 and Lionel Messi getting a goal in Argentina’s 4- 1 win over Vene zuela to equal his country’s all-time scoring record.
Messi scored in the 60th minute to take his career tally for Argentina to 54 goals, matching the record held by Gabriel Batistuta.
“I am happy to have equalled Batistuta’s record but my head is focused on lifting the Copa America,” said the five-time World Player of the Year.
Argentina will now face the United States in the first semifinal on Tuesday in Houston.
Messi won the Man-of-the-Match award in an actionpacked game against underdogs Venezuela in Foxborough.
Argentina got off to the perfect start after just seven minutes when Gonzalo Higuain dived to turn a delicate cross from Messi past goalkeeper Dani Hernandez.
The in-form Napoli striker doubled the lead 20 minutes later when he latched on to a slack back pass to round the goalkeeper and slot the ball into the empty net.
Salomon Rondon twice came close for Venezuela and his side should have pulled a goal back two minutes from half time after Sergio Romero brought down Josef Martinez in the box.
{{/usCountry}}Salomon Rondon twice came close for Venezuela and his side should have pulled a goal back two minutes from half time after Sergio Romero brought down Josef Martinez in the box.
{{/usCountry}}However, the Manchester United goalkeeper redeemed himself when he stood firm and Seijas’ carelessly dinked penalty sailed right into his arms.
Messi, who started for the first time in the tournament after three substitute appearances, put Argentina 3-0 ahead when he worked a lovely one-two with Nicolas Gaitan and then poked the ball under Hernandez with his left foot.
CHILE DEMOLISH MEXICO
Reigning champions Chile joined Argentina in the last four after a 7-0 demolition of Mexico in Santa Clara.
Hoffenheim striker Eduardo Vargas scored four goals to help them set up a semifinal date with Colombia on Wednesday.
Edson Puch got his first international goal after 15 minutes when he fired home after keeper Guillermo Ochoa could only parry a long-range shot.
Vargas got a second just before half time. Alexis Sanchez was involved in most of Chile’s great work and he made it 3-0 just three minutes into the second half. Three minutes later Vargas got his second and Chile’s fourth as Mexico wilted under the pressure.