Lionel Messi Knew Argentina's Copa America Goals Would Come, Finally

Lionel Messi showed his magic touch as Argentina pumped in six goals past a hapless Paraguay in a Copa America semifinal on Tuesday night. Messi helped set up five goals that enabled Argentina set up a final against host Chile. (Argentina Thrash Paraguay)

Paraguay have never beaten Argentine in 24 Copa America matches and Messi ensured that record stayed unblemished. Messi had a foot in first-half goals by Marcos Rojo and Javier Pastore and one of Angel Di Maria's second-half goals. The Barcelona star also helped set up the final two goals by Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain. (Messi Overtaking Maradona: Maldini)

Messi showed his brilliant craftsmanship when he beat three defenders -- poking the ball through the legs of one of them -- in a remarkable run from near midfield that culminated in Argentina's fourth goal by Di Maria.

"We knew the goals would come eventually," Messi said through a translator. "We were playing well, creating chances, and today we finally got all the goals." (Messi Was Unstoppable During Training: Puyol)

Argentina had scored only four times coming into Tuesday's match.

"We are committed to keep playing the same way," Argentina coach Gerardo Martino said. "The team showed precision and efficiency in front of the goal."

Striker Lucas Barrios scored the lone goal for Paraguay, who were trying to reach their second straight Copa America final after losing to Uruguay in the 2011 tournament.

In Saturday's final, Argentina will attempt to end a 22-year title drought to give Messi his first triumph with the national team, while Chile, boosted by the home crowd and their best generation of players in years, will be going for their first South American championship.

Argentina hasn't won a significant trophy since the 1993 Copa America, when Messi was six years old. The Argentines were eliminated by eventual champion Uruguay in the Copa America quarterfinals at home in 2011, and lost consecutive finals to rival Brazil in 2004 and 2007.

Argentina have won the previous four Copa Americas played in Chile, the last in 1991. They also never lost to Chile in the tournament.

(With agency inputs)