Lionel Messi earned a record-equalling 147th cap for Argentina as they progressed to the Copa America quarter-finals with victory over Paraguay.

Papu Gomez scored the decisive goal early on, meeting a pass from Angel Di Maria before producing a fine finish.

Messi, 34, equalled Javier Mascherano’s appearance record for the national team in the hard-fought win in Brasilia.

Argentina top Group A ahead of Chile, who drew 1-1 with Uruguay to also advance to the knockout stage.

The hastily-rearranged tournament in Brazil, which was moved from Argentina just two weeks before it was scheduled to start because of a surge in Covid-19 cases in the country, is Messi’s latest chance to win silverware with the senior team.

The six-time Ballon d’Or winner was typically influential, playing a part in the build-up to the game’s only goal, while later firing wide from a free-kick.

With four matches left to play in Group A, Paraguay have three points, Uruguay one, and Bolivia none, meaning they all still stand a mathematical chance of advancing alongside Argentina and Chile.

Brazil have already qualified from Group B.

TodayNG