Maria-led Argentina thrash Paraguay

Concepcion (Chile), July 1

Lionel Messi produced a scintillating individual performance as Argentina destroyed Paraguay 6-1 to reach the final of the Copa America.

The Barcelona superstar tormented Paraguay mercilessly yesterday as the favorites produced their best display of the tournament and advanced to a showdown with Chile in Saturday’s final. Although Messi failed to end his run of more than 900 minutes without an international goal from open play, he turned creator as Argentina tore Paraguay apart.

Goals from Angel Di Maria (2), Marcos Rojo, Javier Pastore, Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain completed an emphatic rout for the South American giants. Manchester United defender Rojo and Paris Saint-Germain’s Pastore had given Argentina a 2-0 lead midway through the first half before Paraguay pulled one back through Lucas Barrios. — AFP