Lionel Messi draws level as Argentina's all-time top goal scorer
Lionel Messi, the captain and indisputable leader of the Argentina side, continues to write his name in football history.
The Barcelona forward scored one and created two more as the Albiceleste beat Venezuela 4-1 to move into the semi-final of the Copa America, where they will meet the United States.
Messi’s goal was his 54th for his country, moving him level with Gabriel Batistuta as the top goal scorer in the history of the Argentine national team.
It’s been 10 years, three months and 13 days since Messi scored his first international goal, in a friendly against Croatia. Diego Maradona’s 34 strikes have long since been left behind.
Top Argentina goal scorers:
1. Lionel Messi 54
= Gabriel Batistuta 54
3. Hernan Crespo 35
4. Sergio Aguero 34
= Diego Maradona 34
6. Gonzalo Higuain 29
