Lionel Messi breaks Argentina goalscoring record

Lionel Messi has broken the Argentina all-time goalscoring record by netting in his nation's 4-0 Copa America Centenario semi-final win over the United States on Tuesday.

The Barcelona forward overtook Gabriel Batistuta's 54-goal tally with a 25-yard free kick against the tournament's host nation.

Messi, currently on 112 caps, made his Albiceleste debut in a friendly against Hungary in 2005, where he came on as a second-half substitute and was controversially sent off within 30 seconds.

"I am happy to have surpassed Batistuta's record and I want to thank my teammates, it's theirs as well," said Messi, who turns 29 on Friday.

Argentina will play either Chile or Colombia in the Copa America final.