Messi delivers a short corner back to the edge of the box, then receives it and clips a precise cross that Lavezzi attacks with a header into the top left corner for Argentina’s opener.

Messi darts into the box and meets a cut-back with his left foot, but his shot from the centre of the area flies just over the bar after a move involving Rojo.

From outside the box, Messi unleashes a low left‑footed drive that Guzan has to get down to palm away at his bottom left corner after being set up by Higuaín.

Messi slaloms forward in the attacking half, drawing defenders before being fouled, winning a dangerous free kick just outside shooting range.

From a central free kick, Messi curls a stunning left‑footed shot over the wall into the top right corner, leaving Guzan rooted as Argentina doubles its lead.

Operating on the right wing, Messi uses close control to shield the ball and draw a foul, earning another free kick in a wide attacking position.

Messi threads a clever pass into the right side of the box for Lucas Biglia, whose right‑footed effort is blocked by the recovering U.S. defence.

Messi spots Lamela’s run and slides a pass into space on the left side of the box, but Lamela’s left‑footed shot drifts wide of the far post.

Messi takes a return pass from Higuaín and fires a left‑footed shot from the centre of the box, forcing Guzan into a save low to his left.

Messi pounces on a loose ball high up the pitch and slides a perfectly weighted pass into the box for Higuaín, who finishes clinically with his right foot for Argentina’s fourth.

Messi times a run in behind the U.S. back line but is flagged offside as he looks to latch onto a through ball, halting another potential attack.