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Lionel Messi free kick: Pictures capture moment Argentina captain broke Gabriel Batistuta’s goal record with amazing free-kick

Barcelona superstar scored brilliant goal as Argentina progress to the Copa America final with a 4-0 win over hosts USA

Lionel Messi free kick vs USA

LIONEL MESSI scored a stunning free-kick to break Gabriel Batistuta's Argentina goal record and help send Tata Martino's side to the Copa America final.

The 28-year-old was at his brilliant best against hosts USA, creating two more goals as Argentina romped to a 4-0 win in Houston, Texas.

Lionel Messi aims a strike at goal against USA in the Copa America semi-final
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Lionel Messi aims a strike at goal against USA in the Copa America semi-finalCredit: Getty Images
The captain was level with Gabriel Batistuta on Argentina's all-time goals list
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The captain was level with Gabriel Batistuta on Argentina's all-time goals listCredit: Reuters
PLayers from both sides are stationary as the ball sails through the air
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PLayers from both sides are stationary as the ball sails through the airCredit: Getty Images

The free-kick was Messi's 55th for Argentina, scored in his 112th match, beating Batistuta's record that had stood since he retired in 2002 - Batistuta managed 54 goals in 78 international games.

The Barcelona superstar, who turns 29 on Friday, said: "I am happy to have surpassed Batistuta's record and I want to thank my team-mates, it's theirs as well."

Argentina will play the winner of Colombia and Chile on Wednesday night.

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Aston VIlla goalkeeper Brad Guzan can do nothing about it
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Aston VIlla goalkeeper Brad Guzan can do nothing about itCredit: Getty Images
Players watch on stunned as the ball flies into the top corner
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Players watch on stunned as the ball flies into the top cornerCredit: Getty Images
The goal helped Argentina into the Copa America semi-final
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The goal helped Argentina into the Copa America semi-finalCredit: Getty Images

Ezequiel Lavezzi opened the scoring after just three minutes, heading home a Messi cross.

It took just 32 minutes for Messi to have his record-breaking goal, his fifth of what has been a masterful showing at the tournament.

Messi swung a free-kick into the top corner, well out of reach of Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan, who was beaten all ends up.

Messi wheels away after his stunning free-kick
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Messi wheels away after his stunning free-kickCredit: Getty Images
The forward celebrates after celebrating his goal
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The forward celebrates after celebrating his goalCredit: Getty Images
A pitch invader ran to Messi to take a picture and get his autograph - as well as bow
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A pitch invader ran to Messi to take a picture and get his autograph - as well as bowCredit: Getty Images

Higuain added the third shortly after the break but the game was over as a contest after Messi's stunning strike.

Messi could have had another late on but instead chose to pass to Higuain to score his second with a simple tap-in.

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