Messi lights up Copa America quarterfinal against Ecuador

Lionel Messi was at his magical best as Argentina picked up a convincing 3-0 win over Ecuador in their 2021 Copa America semifinal to book a place in the semifinal of the competition, where they will face Colombia after Colombia defeated Uruguay on penalties.

Argentina took the lead in the 40th minute as new Atletico Madrid midfielder Rodrigo De Paul opened his Copa America account from a Lionel Messi assist. Messi was also instrumental in the second goal as Lautaro Martinez doubled the advantage of La Albiceleste after 84 minutes. The Barcelona man capped off a fine performance with a stunning freekick in added time after Ecuador had Piero Hincapie sent off for the foul that led to the freekick. Messi has now scored 4 goals and registered 4 assists in 5 games at the Copa America.

Colombia squeezed their way through to the semifinals of the Copa America thanks to the heroics of goalkeeper David Ospina on the day he became the most capped Colombian footballer ever. After the match ended 0-0, the Napoli goalkeeper saved penalties from Matias Vina and Jose Gimenez in the shootout as Colombia emerged as 4-2 winners. Colombia will face Argentina on Wednesday, July 7th, for a place in the final of the 2021 Copa America.