Lionel Messi registered two goals and an assist on a night he became Argentina’s most-capped player of all time in their 4-1 Copa America thrasing of Bolivia on Monday. The Barcelona ace made his 148th appearance at the Arena Pantanal in Brazil’s Cuiaba, surpassing the record previously held by Javier Mascherano. 

The win keeps Argentina’s undefeated run at the Copa America intact, as the ‘Albiceleste’ finished top of their group with 10 points from 4 games. Argentina, whose last major title triumph came at the 1993 edition of the South American championships, will face Ecuador in the quarter-finals as they look to add a 15th Copa America crown and end their long-running title drought. 

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In a blistering first-half display, Argentina scored thrice from an array of chances to take control of the encounter. ‘Papu’ Gomez opened the scoring, smashing a chipped pass from Messi into the roof of the net with a left-footed volley in the sixth minute. 

Messi then converted a penalty after Gomez was brought down in the box and added a third at the stroke of half-time with a cool chip after Sergio Aguero picked out his run beyond the Bolivian defence. 

Bolivia pulled a goal back in the 60th minute with a cleverly worked move, Chura’s deft back heel releasing Leonel Justiniano down the right flanke who crossed for Erwin Saavedra to score.

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Argentina responded swiftly though, substitute Lautaro Martinez tapping in from close range in the 65th minute just two minutes after coming on for Aguero.

In Monday’s other Group A game, Uruguay clinched second place in the table after downing Paraguay 1-0 in Rio de Janeiro.

Edinson Cavani‘s first half spot kick proved decisive for ‘La Celeste’, sending Uruguay into a quarter-final against Colombia on Saturday.

Paraguay finished third and will now play Peru on Friday. Chile, who finished fourth in Group A, face a daunting task against hosts Brazil on Friday.