Messi warms up for the Copa America challenge

Lionel Messi went through the gears in Cuiaba as his Argentina side faced Bolivia in the last round of group stage matches in the Copa America.

The Albiceleste ran out comfortable winners as they beat Bolivia 4-1 to ensure top spot in their group and a quarter-final game with Ecuador.

Lionel Messi, who surpassed Javier Mascherano as the most-capped Argentine player, was in scintillating form by scoring two goals and assisting the first as the captain chipped a sublime ball through to Alejandro Dario Gomez to slot home.

Messi sealed the second goal from the penalty spot before chipping Bolivian shot-stopper Carlos Lampe, as the goalkeeper came rushing out when Messi went through on goal.

Sergio Aguero claimed the assist for Messi's second, something that will please Barcelona fans as the Blaugrana partnership has started in the shape of international football.

Erwin Saavedra scored a consolation for Bolivia on the hour mark before Lautaro Martinez sealed the match with a close-range effort just minutes after replacing Aguero.

The win extended Argentina's unbeaten run to 17 games, a run that goes back to the last Copa America when they lost to Brazil in the semi-finals.