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Soccer-Messi matches record as Argentina win Copa quarter-final

June 18 (Reuters) - Lionel Messi became his country's equal all-time leading goalscorer as Argentina romped to a 4-1 win over Venezuela in a Copa America quarter-final in Foxborough, Massachusetts on Saturday.

A Messi goal in the 60th minute took his career tally for Argentina to 54 goals, matching the record held by Gabriel Batistuta.

Messi's strike complemented two early goals by Gonzalo Higuain, while substitute Erik Lamela completed the rout.

Argentina, who are seeking their first Copa triumph since 1993, were the better side throughout but Venezuela made their life easier with some slack defending and a horrific penalty miss by Luis Manuel Seijas.