Messi becomes Argentina’s highest goal scorer of all-time (video)

All eyes were on Lionel Messi – on Tuesday night during Argentina’s Copa America semifinal clash with host, USA at the NRG Stadium – to see if he could etch his name into the history books by becoming Argentina’s all time goal scorer; and as usual, he set a new record in spectacular fashion.

Argentina cruised into the Copa America final for the second consecutive time after a 4-0 demolition of the United States as captain Messi led the charge.

Messi stole the headlines as he became the nation’s leading marksman of all-time with a trademark freekick goal in the 32nd minute.

Messi’s record-breaking 55th goal for the 14-time South American champions saw him surpass Gabriel Batistuta.  Before the goal, Messi had already assisted Ezequiel Lavezzi for the first goal in the 3rd minute.   Gonzalo Higuain went on to put Argentina in the final with two goals in the second half.

Watch goals and highlights from the match