Lionel Messi inspired a spirited Argentina scoring in their 4-1 win over Venezuela in Foxborough, Massachusetts . This was Messi’s 54th goal just two days ahead of his 29th birthday. He equals the great Gabriel Batistuta ‘s achievements.
Gonzalo Higuain e opened the scoring early after a peach of a ball from Messi that Higuain sliding finished went at the far post leaving Venezuela keeper Dani Hernandez helpless.
Messi later had a penalty call denied when he was chopped down but Gonzalo Higuain scored his second of the night for a 2-0 cushion.
Messi’s goal in the 60th minute gave Argentina a 3-0 lead and effectively took over the goal scorers chat with four goals same as Chiles Eduardo Vargas
Venezuela’s Luis Seijas had his penalty saved by Argentina keeper Sergio Romero after Joseph Martínez was brought down the box but the resilient Venezuelans finally scored in the 70th minute when Salomon Randon headed the ball in the net beating Romero.
Erick Lamela sealed Argentina ‘s victory when he netted the fourth goal after a pass from Messi.
Argentina has two days to rest before meeting the USA in the semi final on Tuesday night in Houston
