Argentina’s new all-time leading goalscorer Lionel Messi was lavished inpraise by coach Gerardo Martino after the “best player in the world” guidedlast year’s Copa America runners-up to yet another final.
Messi, who overcame a back problem at the start of the tournament, surpassedGabriel Batistuta as Argentina’s top scorer with his 55th international goalin Tuesday’s comprehensive 4-0 win over the United States in the semi-finals.
The captain’s fifth goal of the centenary tournament helped Argentina toback-to-back Copa America finals following last year’s penalty shoot-out lossto Chile.
Asked about Messi’s historic night in Houston, Martino told reporters: “Itmakes me very happy what he has done. Very pleased that has been in this CopaAmerica.
“It is great that the best player in the world is the leading scorer of theArgentina national team.
“But knowing how he is, he is happier about the team.”
Argentina – seeking to end their 23-year wait for a major title having lostthe 2014 World Cup final before going down to Chile last year – outclassedUSA at NRG Stadium.
Messi set up Ezequiel Lavezzi for the opening goal in the third minute beforemaking history with a sublime free-kick just past the half-hour mark.
Gonzalo Higuain scored a second-half brace to silence the Americans, withArgentina now awaiting either Chile or Colombia in Sunday’s showpiece.
“What brings us closer to win the final is approaching the performance of today’s match,” Martino added.
“The answer we have to give on Sunday, only the result will determine whether we are the best or not.”
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