Lionel Messi Scores Argentina Record-Tying Goal In Copa America 2016

FOXBORO, Mass. – Lionel Messi has delivered what many of the 59,183 fans in attendance wanted from his first-ever visit to Gillette Stadium: the chance to celebrate a goal scored by one of soccer’s best-ever players.

Messi scored in the 60th minute of Argentina’s 4-1 Copa America 2016 quarterfinal win over Venezuela on Saturday at Gillette Stadium. The goal was Messi’s fourth of Copa America, a tournament high at this stage. Messi also tied Gabriel Batistuta as Argentina’s all-time leading goal scorer, with 54.

Leo Messi moves level with Gabriel Batistuta as Argentina's all-time leading goalscorer. #ARGvVEN #MyCopaColors https://t.co/gKnUDYVtDG

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 19, 2016

#ARGvVEN: Goooool. Al 60', llegó el tercero de @Argentina por conducto de #Messi. #CopaAmerica #UDCentenario https://t.co/dmwYmeg0C6

— TUDN USA (@TUDNUSA) June 19, 2016

54 – @TeamMessi is now tied with Gabriel Batistuta for the highest ever goal scorer for the Argentine national team. Greatest.

— OptaJack⚽️ (@OptaJack) June 19, 2016

Messi also moved ahead of the United States’ Clint Dempsey and Brazil’s Philipe Coutinho in the Copa America 2016 top goal scorers’ race.

Earlier in the game, Messi set a new Copa America assists record when he set up Gonzalo Higuain’s first goal. Messi registered his ninth career Copa America assist when he set up Erik Lamela’s strike later in the second half.

Critics at home say Messi must win a FIFA World Cup (or even a first Copa America title) in order for Argentina fans to love him unconditionally. Ousting Gabriel Batistuta from the top spot, as Messi is bound to do in the near future, might even be enough to secure universal acclaim.

But it should be.