Red-hot Messi boots Argentina into semifinals

Lionel Messi scored a record-tying 54th international goal as Argentina outclassed Venezuela 4-1 on Saturday to book its place in the semifinals of the Copa America Centenario.

Messi scored his fourth goal of the tournament in the 60th minute at Gillette Stadium to equal Gabriel Batistuta's long-standing Argentina international record.

Messi also set up a goal by Gonzalo Higuain, who scored twice, and one by second half substitute Erik Lamela as Argentina advanced to a semifinal against the United States in Houston on Tuesday.