Lionel Messi is a step closer to finally breaking through with Argentina.
He thrived in leading Argentina to a 6-1 rout of Paraguay in the semifinals on Tuesday, setting up a final against host Chile on Saturday.
The Barcelona star heads into the Copa America final with a chance to end his nation’s 22-year title drought, and prove that he can replicate his club-level success with the national team.
Messi didn’t score but helped set up five goals, including a spectacular run past several defenders from near midfield.
Argentina hasn’t won a significant trophy since the 1993 Copa America.
Victory on Saturday would give Argentina its 15th Copa America title, tying Uruguay as the tournament’s most successful team.