Messi: Argentina got through a tough match and took a step forward

 Lionel Messi was pleased that Argentina were able to navigate what he described as a difficult match, as they defeated Ecuador 3-0 to progress to the semi-finals of the Copa America.

Despite the three-goal winning margin, the No.10 insisted that it wasn't as easy as a glance at the scoreline might suggest.

"It was a very hard match, we knew how tough an opponent we were facing," Messi said.

"It was a fight until we got the first goal and, after that, the match got a bit messy, but the most important thing is that we moved into the next round.

"We just need one more win to get to the final and we hope we can do it.

"We tried to play good football, but at times we couldn't and the pitch didn't help.

"We got through a really important match.

"It was our goal to be in the last four but now it's time to rest."

Messi scored Argentina's third goal of the night, taking his total for the tournament to four and making him the top scorer so far. The Argentine captain is now just one goal away from Pele's record for international goals scored of 77.

"I always say individual achievements are secondary and we're here for something else," Messi said when asked about Pele's record.

"I want to thank the group for the hard work they've put in. We've been away from our families for many days now.

"We have an objective to achieve here and we're only thinking about that.

"We're the only national team not to have broken the bubble."

This win means Argentina will now play Colombia in the semi-finals at the Estadio Mane Garrincha in Brasilia. In the other semi-final, host nation Brazil will take on Peru for a spot in the final.