Messi scores record equalling 54th goal as Arg make semis

The Barcelona superstar scored his fourth goal of the tournament in the 60th minute at the Gillette Stadium to equal Gabriel Batistuta’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.

Messi’s genius created the opening goal after eight minutes, with the playmaker lofting a sublime curling pass to pick out Higuain’s run into the area. Napoli forward Higuain still had plenty to do but skillfully directed a first time strike past Venezuela goalkeeper Dani Hernandez for a wonderful goal.

Argentina’s dominance clearly had Venezuela rattled, and the Vinotinto’s defensive unease led to the next goal.

A slack backpass from Arquimedes Figuera went straight to Higuain in space, and the striker coolly rounded Hernandez to stroke home his second of the night to make it 2-0 after 29 minutes.

But just when it looked as if the floodgates would open, Venezuela rallied impressively and had Argentina rocking with a series of chances.

West Bromwich Albion striker Salomon Rondon forced a save from Sergio Romero and hit the woodwork in quick succession.

Venezuela looked to have a justifiable claim for a penalty when Higuain brought down Josef Martinez in the box but Mexican referee Roberto Garcia was unmoved.

Seconds later though Garcia was pointing to the spot after Romero clumsily bundled over Martinez for a clear penalty. But Luis Manuel Seijas tried a risky “Panenka” down the middle which Romero read and gathered with ease.

Messi effectively put the contest to bed with his record-equalling goal in the 60th minute.

Rondon pulled a goal back with a header in the 70th minute, but Messi’s response was instant, threading a pass to Lamela whose shot crept in at Hernandez’s near post.