The Current World Footballer of the year Lionel Messi Breaks Record

Lionel Messi on duty for Argentina during Copa America

The Barcelona forward, 28, passed Gabriel Batistuta's 54-goal tally with a 25-yard strike.

Messi provided the assist for Ezequiel Lavezzi's opener, then scored his stunner before Napoli's Gonzalo Higuain fired in to make it 3-0.

Higuain scored with a tap-in in the 85th minute to complete the rout.

"I am happy to have surpassed Batistuta's record and I want to thank my team-mates - it's theirs as well," said Messi.

Argentina will be expecting to meet  Colombia or reigning champions Chile in the final, that will be playing their semi final on Wednesday in Chicago.