The Barcelona superstar, who turns 29 on Friday, broke Gabriel Batistuta’s 54-goal tally with his 31st minute effort, curling home in magnificent fashion and leaving United States keeper Brad Guzan grasping at thin air.
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“Once they have a lead, they’re not giving that lead away”, Klinsmann said.
“From the first day we have done things spectacularly well, and we deserve to be here”. It was a poor showing for the usa team that was missing three of its pillars in Alejandro Bedoya, Jermaine Jones and Bobby Wood, but considering the loss was handed to them by the world’s best team, led by the world’s best player, it’s hard to muster more than mild disappointment.
He took the kick after being cynically tackled by Chris Wondolowski.
Gonzalo Higuain struck twice in the second half, the second assisted by Messi, to put Argentina 90 minutes from a first major trophy since 1993.
Messi’s goal was a glorious free-kick from 25 yards out that gave US goalkeeper Brad Guzan a run for his money.
Argentina lost both of those finals in agonising fashion, suffering an extra-time defeat to Germany in the World Cup final and losing on penalties against hosts Chile in Santiago a year ago.
“You were trying to scream on to the field saying, ‘Go at them”.
In comparison, Messi has five goals in 15 World Cup games.
Gerardo Martino finally appears to be getting the best out of Messi after the impression that managers didn’t utilize the 28-year-old well at worldwide level.
“I think you could clearly see when we went 1-0 down, we had far too much respect and they were able to play their game”, Klinsmann said.
Following a 4-0 masterclass by Argentina, Klinsmann said his side was “too nice” in their approach to the awe-inspiring Albiceleste. “I was screaming at the referee and the fourth official and that’s why he’s suddenly in range for shooting that goal”.
It was all Argentina as the soccer giant led by their famous captain – Lionel Messi – buried the United States 4-0 in the much-anticipated semi-finals of the Copa America 2016 competition.
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Higuain made it 3-0 when he burst past John Brooks for Lavezzi’s pass, one-timed a shot that Guzan stopped and poked in the rebound. “I think we respected them a little too much”. Gyasi Zardes became consistent with the runs on the left side along with Christian Pulisic, who came in as a substitute in the start of the second half.
