Copa America: US outclassed as Argentina moves to final

NEW YORK (AA) – Argentina needed just one goal Tuesday to beat the U.S. and make it into the finals of the Copa America tournament.

La Albiceleste effortlessly won 4-0 against the host team that looked energetic and eager to play but were simply outstripped by a superlative performance from the top-ranked national team in the world.

Ezequiel Lavezzi opened the scoring in just the third minute after a short corner kick brought a chip cross that turned into a header opportunity for the winger who lobbed it in with finesse over goalkeeper Brad Guzan.

The Argentine squad dominated play early, possessing the ball nearly 70 percent of the game and consistently coming out on top in midfield clashes. On defense, Argentina held the Americans to zero shots.

In the thirty-first minute, Lionel Messi charged toward the penalty area where he was knocked to the pitch by Chris Wondolowski.

Moments later, the living legend showed technical prowess and sheer artistry when he beat Guzan with a flawless free-kick that soared into the top right corner of the net.

The goal was Messi's 55th in 112 international caps thus far, nudging him past Gabriel Batistuta as the highest scorer in Argentine history.

Shortly after the halftime, Gonzalo Higuain took to the stage to deliver the third blow when he booted in a rebound from his initial shot on an airborne through pass from the right wing that was deflected by Guzan.

But Higuain was not finished. In the 85 minute a midfield 50-50 ball ended up as another through pass from Messi to the Napoli striker who finished with surgical precision, cementing the scoring for the night.

Argentina will now await the outcome of the Chile-Colombia matchup Wednesday.

Chile won the last Copa America and is fresh off a stellar quarterfinals performance in which it destroyed Mexico 7-0.