Concepcion: Lionel Messi produced a scintillating individual performance as Argentina destroyed Paraguay 6-1 to reach the final of the Copa America here Tuesday. The Barcelona superstar tormented Paraguay mercilessly as the favorites produced their best display of the tournament and advanced to a showdown with Chile in Saturday's final.


Argentina's forward Sergio Aguero (C) celebrates his goal against Paraguay with Argentina's forward Lionel Messi (L) next to teammates during their Copa America semifinal football match in Concepcion. Pic/AFP 

Although Messi failed to end his run of more than 900 minutes without an international goal from open play, he turned creator as Argentina tore Paraguay apart. Goals from Angel Di Maria (2), Marcos Rojo, Javier Pastore, Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain completed an emphatic rout for the South American giants. A satisfied Messi was delighted Argentina's potent collection of attacking talent finally appears to have clicked with Saturday's final looming.