Lionel Messi scored one goal and provided two assists as Argentina kept alive their bid to end their 28-year Copa America title wait with a 3-0 quarter-final win over Ecuador.
Messi hit the post early before showing composure to find Rodrigo De Paul for his maiden international goal in the 40th minute in Goiania on Saturday.
Late on, Messi swooped on a heavy touch from Piero Hincapie to set up Lautaro Martinez ——- for his second goal in two games.
He then added one of his own with a superb free-kick.
Argentina have now extended their unbeaten run to 18 games under head coach Lionel Scaloni.
Ecuador, known as La Tri, exit without a win in spite of reaching the knockout stage.
Ecuador had a major let-off in the 23rd minute following Carlos Gruezo’s error which allowed Messi in a one-on-one, only to shoot into the upright.
Jhegson Mendez tested Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez with a thunderous volley and Enner Valencia glanced a header off target as Ecuador offered some threat in an open game.