Copa America 2021: Record-breaking Lionel Messi scores twice as Argentina thrash Bolivia

Argentina continued to dominate possession and create chances against the worst team in the tournament, and Gómez was brought down by Ibáñez inside the box to win a penalty. Lionel Messi stepped up to the spot and scored with ease to make it 2-0.

Argentinian legend Lionel Messi guided his team to the Copa America 2021 quarterfinals as Group A winners thanks to an easy 3-0 victory over Bolivia in the group stage finale in cold, rainy Cuiabá on Tuesday (June 29). Messi, who set the all-time appearance record with his 148th cap for his country, and he marked the occasion in style with a classical performance. Argentina dominated the game right from the start and took just six minutes to break down the Bolivian defense thanks to a gorgeous assist from Messi and a great finish by Papu Gómez. The Albiceleste continued to dominate possession and create chances against the worst team in the tournament, and Gómez was brought down by Ibáñez inside the box to win a penalty. Messi stepped up to the spot and scored with ease to make it 2-0. Then came the goal of the match as Sergio Agüero played a gorgeous pass over the pass to put Messi one-on-one with the keeper, and the captain scored a gorgeous chip from outside the box for the third.