Messi scores twice as Argentina rout Bolivia

On Jun 29, 2021

Lionel Messi passed Javier Mascherano as Argentina’s most capped international on Monday and scored twice as the side beat Bolivia 4-1 to set up a Copa America quarter-final against Ecuador.

Messi was in fine form on his 148th appearance for Argentina and it was his sublime pass that set up Alejandro Gomez to volley home the opening goal after five minutes.

Barcelona forward Messi doubled his side’s lead from the penalty spot just after the half-hour mark and then made it 3-0 shortly before half time.

Messi’s goals were his 74th and 75th for the national side and it could have been more but for another excellent performance by Lampe in the Bolivian goal.

The result means Argentina will face Ecuador in the last eight on Saturday while Uruguay will play Colombia the same day. Hosts Brazil will take on Chile in Rio de Janeiro on Friday while Paraguay plays Peru the same day. (BBC)