The dream of Copa America glory is over for the United States. Argentina, behind fine performances from Lionel Messi and Gonzalo Higuain, cruised to a 4-0 semifinal victory Tuesday over the United States in Houston.

Messi finished with a glorious free kick goal to become Argentina's all-time leading goal scorer, while also providing two assists.
It took the Argentines just three minutes to score, as Ezequiel Lavezzi finished off a Messi pass to set the tempo early.

Then, just after the half-hour mark, Messi drilled a brilliant free kick past Brad Guzan to make it 2-0.

Continuing to dominate and not allowing the United States to do anything in attack, it was Higuain who scored two goals in the second half to complete the dominant result. Higuain also scored two goals in the quarterfinal round against Venezuela.

The United States just couldn't control the ball or create chances against an inspired backline from Argentina. A change in formation with Clint Dempsey and Chris Wondolowski in attack resulted in zero shots on goal.

With the result, Argentina advances to Sunday's final, where they will play the winner of Chile-Colombia, who play Wednesday. But the United States is not done. The Americans will play in the third-place match Saturday against the loser of Chile-Colombia.

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