Lionel Messi comes to life as host Argentina beat Costa Rica 3-0 to secure second place in Group A and reach 2011 Copa America last eight.
Sergio Aguero scored in first-half stoppage time, and again in the 52nd off a pass from Barcelona star Lionel Messi, who showed his best form for the first time in the tournament.
Aguero scored Argentina's only other goal in the first two matches, making him the tournament top scorers with three. Angel Di Maria scored Argentina's final goal in the 64th against the Costa Rica, who are playing as guests in the 12-team tournament and fielding what amounts to a second-string team.
Argentina improved to five points in three matches and finished second in Group A. Colombia was first with seven points. The top two teams in each of the three groups advance, along with the best two third-place teams. Argentina will face the second-place team in Group C: either Chile, Peru or Uruguay.
While the Costa Ricans must wait to see if they edge into the last eight as one of the two best third-placed teams.
Argentina 3-0 Costa Rica, Highlights:
Lineups:
Argentina: Sergio Romero, Pablo Zabaleta, Nicolas Burdisso, Gabriel Milito, Javier Zanetti, Fernando Gago, Javier Mascherano, Angel Di Maria (Lucas Biglia '79), Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero (Ezequiel Lavezzi '84), Gonzalo Higuain (Javier Pastore '79).
Costa Rica: Leonel Moreira, Johnny Acosta, Francisco Calvo (Randall Brenes '45), Oscar Duarte, Jose Salvatierra, Pedro Leal, Heiner Mora, Jose Cubero, Cesar Elizondo (Luis Miguel Valle '56), Josue Martinez (Diego Madrigal '45), Joel Campbell.
from espn
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