Argentina 3 Bolivia 0: La Albiceleste finish Copa America group stage with 100 per cent record


An impressive Argentina side romped to victory over Bolivia with a first-half performance which left super-sub, Lionel Messi, purring.

The Barcelona man was again on the bench as he continues his recovery from a pre-tournament knock.

Argentina celebrate with Erik Lamela after Tottenham man's opening goal
Argentina celebrate with Erik Lamela after Tottenham man’s opening goal
Argentina's Lionel Messi, center, smiles while siting on the bench with his teammates before the start of a Copa America Centenario Group D soccer match between Argentina and Bolivia, Tuesday, June 14, 2016, at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. . (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Lionel Messi enjoys watching his team-mates from the Argentina bench

But he was enjoying being a spectator as Argentina put on a show for their Seattle supporters to down Bolivia.

Tottenham ace, Erik Lamela’s free-kick found it’s way into the back of the Bolivia net via a wicked deflection after 13 minutes.

And just it was two just 120 seconds later as Ezequiel Lavezzi pounced on a defensive error.

Argentina just needed to avoid a heavy defeat to ensure they finished the stage as group winners.

Argentina celebrate as Victor Cuesta caps off a wonderful first-half display
Argentina celebrate as Victor Cuesta caps off a wonderful first-half display
A fan of Bolivia cheers prior to a Copa America Centenario Group D soccer match between Argentina and Bolivia, Tuesday, June 14, 2016, at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
A colourful Bolivia fan cheers his team on in Copa America clash in Seattle
Fans of Bolivia wait for the start of the Copa America Centenario football tournament match against Argentina in Seattle, Washington, United States, on June 14, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / Jason REDMONDJASON REDMOND/AFP/Getty Images
Bolivia fans believe despite already being eliminated from Copa America

But, with fellow heavyweight Brazil and Uruguay eliminated, they were determined to show they were worth their tag as Copa America Centenario favourites.

It was three on 32 minutes as Victor Cuesta poked in Sergio Aguero, with Messi up from the bench and celebrate the champagne football on display.

Argentina relented and the match stayed that way until half-time.

An Argentina fan enjoys watching the victory over Bolivia in Seattle
An Argentina fan enjoys watching the victory over Bolivia in Seattle

Messi was introduced after the interval, much to the delight of the crowd and took the captain’s armband from Sergio Romero.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner came close with a couple of free-kicks, but had to settle for just the three on the night.

Argentina will now face Venezuela in the quarter-finals as they bid to win their first Copa America since 1993.


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