Foxborough (US): Lionel Messi scored a record-equalling 54th international goal as Argentina outclassed Venezuela 4-1 to book their place in the semi-finals of the Copa America on Saturday.
<img title="A jubilant Lionel Messi (centre) celebrates his goal with teammates during the Copa America quarter-final against Venezuela at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, United States on Saturday. Argentina won 4-1. pic/Getty Images" src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/2016/jun/20-Lionel-Messi.jpg" alt="A jubilant Lionel Messi (centre) celebrates his goal with teammates during the Copa America quarter-final against Venezuela at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, United States on Saturday. Argentina won 4-1. pic/Getty Images" /> A jubilant Lionel Messi (centre) celebrates his goal with teammates during the Copa America quarter-final against Venezuela at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, United States on Saturday. Argentina won 4-1. pic/Getty Images
The Barcelona superstar scored his fourth goal of the tournament in the 60th minute at the Gillette Stadium to equal Gabriel Batistuta&rsquo;s long-time Argentina international goalscoring record. Messi also created a goal for Gonzalo Higuain, who scored twice, and second half substitute Erik Lamela as Argentina set up a semi-final against the United States in Houston on Tuesday.
Afterwards Messi played down his goalscoring milestone. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m happy for what it means and it&rsquo;s nice to be next to Batistuta, but for me tonight the most important thing is the result,&rdquo; Messi said. Messi is determined to lead Argentina to their first trophy in 23 years after a series of agonising near-misses, which include defeats in the finals of last year&rsquo;s Copa America and the 2014 World Cup final.
&ldquo;I think people sometimes overlook that we got to two finals, and only focus on the fact that we lost,&rdquo; Messi said.
&ldquo;For us to be back in another semi-final of a big tournament like this one is a great achievement for these players.&rdquo; Few would bet against Messi achieving his goal after an inspirational display that left Venezuela chasing shadows in the early part of Saturday&rsquo;s quarter-final.

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Home / Sports / Football / Article / Copa America: Record is fine, but win more important, says Messi

Copa America: Record is fine, but win more important, says Messi

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