FCBARCELONA.CAT

12.07.2007 09:00

Messi guides Argentina through to final

www.fcbarcelona.cat

Argentina saw off Mexico 3-0 in the Copa America to reach the final against Brazil on Thursday morning. Leo Messi provided the touch of class with a spectacular second goal for the Argentineans.

Argentina showed just why so many people are tipping them as favourites for this year’s competition with another impressive display of attractive football. Hugo Sanchez’s Mexico had played some great football up until now in the tournament as well, but the Argentineans’ attacking flair, inspired by Riquelme and Messi proved far too much for them this time.

Gabriel Heinze opened the scoring on 45 minutes when he steered a pin-point Riquelme free kick home at the far post to beat the Mexican keeper Oswaldo. The Mexicans had had chances themselves in the first half, with Arce and Guardado both causing problems for the Argentinean defence, and Guardado actually hit the woodwork in the 35th minute.

Messi shows his class

Argentina weren’t letting the Mexicans see any other glint of a hope in the second half though and Leo Messi popped up to end any real resistance with a delicate chip over the approaching keeper to make it 2-0 with one of the tournament’s best goals so far. Riquelme finished things off with a 65th minute penalty after Rafa Marquez had brought down Carlos Tevez in the box.

Hoped for final

So it’s all set for the final everyone was hoping for, a repeat of the last final between South America’s two top teams –Brazil and Argentina.