Argentina destroys Bolivia and finishes top of the group stage

Yesterday, Argentina beat Bolivia 4-1 with two goals from Messi, an assist from Messi to Agüero and a goal from Lautaro Martínez. Messi's stats were: 2 goals, 1 assist, 4 SoT (5 in total), 1.3 xG (FBref), 4/5 dribbles, 1 key pass, 2 chances created, 1GCA, 7 SCA, 9 long balls, 1 cross, 59/74 passes, 7/11 duels won, 2 fouls won, 1 tackle, 1 interception, 5 pressures (2 successful), 2 recoveries, and 94 touches.

These were his ratings:

SofaScore: 9.9

Fotmob: 9.4

FootballCritic: 9.4

AiScore: 8.88

Tigo Sports: 10

This was his heatmap:

This was his performance on video:

And this was his performance with an exclusive cam:

This was obviously enough to win him the official MoTM:

Here are some fun facts after the game:

• This was Messi's 148th match, breaking the record for most games played for the Albiceleste.
• With this game, Messi equaled his record of 3 MoTM awards in a single Copa América, which he did in 2015 and 2016.
• This was Messi's 590th goal in open play.
• It marked Messi's goal Nº 50 in neutral games.
• Messi's 10th brace in 2021.
• It was Messi's 1st match at the Pantanal Arena and in the city of Cuiabá.
• Messi played his 31st match in Copa América, leaving him as the only 3rd place in the historical table. He is 2 games behind 2nd place and 3 games behind 3rd place (if Messi reaches the final/match for 3rd and 4th place he would equal the record then).
• Messi now has 12 goals in the Copa América, leaving him in 12th place in the all-time table along with Angel Romano and Roberto Porta.
• Messi scored his 100th penalty.
• 50th game where Messi has scored 1+ left foot goals in group stage games.
• Messi now has 20 wins against teams ranked 85 and lower at the FIFA ranking in group stage games.
• 10th game where Messi scored against a team ranked 85 and lower at the FIFA ranking in group stage games.
• 140th game against teams ranked 90 and lower.
• 10th game where Messi has scored a brace against a team ranked 85 and lower at the FIFA ranking.
• 50th game where Messi has scored a left-foot goal against a team ranked 110 and lower.
• 10th game where Messi has scored two left-foot goals against a team ranked 110 and lower.

After the game, Messi was seen alongside Lampe (Bolivia's goalkeeper). This is how it went. Lampe later made a post on social media about the encounter, showing admiration and respect for Messi.

Argentina's rival in the quarter-finals will be Ecuador, 4th place in group B. The game will be on July 3rd at Goiãnia, the first time Messi will play in that city. Hopefully, Argentina get a good result and can advance through to the semi-finals. As always, I hope you liked this entry, and I'll see you in the next blog.