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Argentina 3 Ecuador 0: Watch Lionel Messi extend free-kick record over Cristiano Ronaldo in stunning Copa America show
Updated: 5:55 ET, Jul 4 2021
LIONEL MESSI led Argentina to the Copa America semi-finals thanks to another masterful performance against Ecuador - and extended his free-kick goalscoring record over Cristiano Ronaldo.
Messi had already set up the other two when he scored a stunner in stoppage time to bring the Albiceleste just one step away from the final.
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He wrapped up the 3-0 win with his 58th career free-kick goal into the top cornerCredit: AP
Lionel Scaloni’s men dominated throughout the encounter at the Estadio Olimpico Pedro Ludovico Stadium, especially in the first half where they created a raft of goalscoring opportunities.
Belo Horizonte, Brazil – It is fitting that the underused Estadio Mane Garrincha football stadium in Brasilia sits almost within sight of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro’s office.
In a little more than a week, the cavernous arena is scheduled to host the opening match of arguably the most contentious and politicised Copa America in the history of the world’s oldest international football tournament.
Whether it happens though, regardless of Bolsonaro’s obstinacy, remains to be seen.
Until late last month, the 10-team, month-long tournament was to be, for the first time, co-hosted by two countries: Colombia and Argentina.
The former’s plans were scrapped on May 20 due to civil unrest. Ten days later, with COVID cases in Argentina having risen 54 percent, the country swapped its hosting rights for the unwelcome title of having the world’s fifth-worst coronavirus outbreak per capita.
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Belo Horizonte, Brazil – It is fitting that the little-used Estadio Mane Garrincha football stadium in Brazil is almost overlooked by the office of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.
Just over a week ago, the cave will host the opening match of the most controversial and politicized Copa America in the history of the world’s oldest international football tournament.
Whether it happens, despite Bolsonaro’s frustration, remains to be seen.
Until the end of last month, the tournament, made up of 10 teams, was for the first time organized by two countries together: Colombia and Argentina.