CONCEPCIÓN: Lionel Messi produced a scintillating individual performance as Argentina destroyed Paraguay 6-1 to reach the final of the Copa America here Tuesday.
The Barcelona superstar tormented Paraguay mercilessly as the favorites produced their best display of the tournament and advanced to a showdown with Chile in Saturday's final.
Although Messi failed to end his run of more than 900 minutes without an international goal from open play, he turned creator as Argentina tore Paraguay apart.
Goals from Angel Di Maria (2), Marcos Rojo, Javier Pastore, Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain completed an emphatic rout for the South American giants.
A satisfied Messi was delighted Argentina's potent collection of attacking talent finally appears to have clicked with Saturday's final looming.
"We've been playing well -- we knew once we scored one goal, many more would come, and that's what happened," said Messi as he collected his man-of-the-match award.
"We got an early goal and then found more space, and then we got the second. We continued to play the same way and more goals came."
Argentina, who finished runners-up in last year's World Cup, are determined to clinch a first major title in 22 years at the Copa America.
"The important thing is that we've achieved our first objective by reaching final. Now we need to win it," Messi said.
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