The United States of America never really stood a chance against Lionel Messi's Argentina in their Copa America Centenario semi-final match on Wednesday, but the 4-0 drubbing they received was still a harsh reality check. Home advantage counted for nothing as favourites Argentina steamrolled the hosts on their way to the summit clash, where they will face the winner of the second semi-final between Chile and Columbia.

Messi was at his best in the encounter, providing an assist for Ezequiel Lavezzi's opener, before scoring a stunning free-kick to become Argentina's highest ever goal-scorer. The 55th international goal of his career took him past Gabriel Batistuta's long-standing record. Messi would add another assist in the match, as Gonzalo Higuain scored a brace to cap the 4-0 rout.

Argentina's victory was slightly soured by the injuries sustained by Lavezzi, Augusto Fernandez and Marcos Rojo during the game. Lavezzi fractured his left elbow after falling on the advertising boards, while Fernandez and Rojo injured their hamstring and thigh respectively. The Argentinian football association said that Fernandez “may not participate in the next game”, but did not reveal anything about Lavezzi and Rojo, reported The Guardian.