Argentina blanks Mexico to reach Copa America final

Last Updated: Thursday, July 12, 2007 | 12:06 AM ET

CBC Sports

Tournament favourite Argentina advanced Wednesday to the final at the Copa America by virtue of a 3-0 semifinal victory over Mexico in Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela.

Gabriel Heinze, Lionel Messi and Juan Roman Riquelme scored the goals for Argentina, which takes on defending champion Brazil in Sunday's championship showdown at Maracaibo.

Argentina's Lionel Messi, right, hugs Juan Roman Riquelme after scoring.
(Luis Acosta/Getty Images)

"It's the last link in the chain and playing in a classic derby against Brazil is the greatest," Argentina coach Alfio Basile said.

The Brazilians, who beat Argentina 4-2 on penalty kicks in the final in 2004, outlasted Uruguay 5-4 on penalty kicks to reach this year's final.

"We will have an amazing final to crown the tournament," Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez said.

Heinze staked Argentina to a 1-0 lead over Mexico in the 44th minute, lifting his left leg high to re-direct a free kick from Riquelme.

Messi made it 2-0 in the 61st minute, settling Riquelme's pass and lobbing the ball over the outstretched hands of goalkeeper Oswaldo Sanchez. 

"Only a genius could do this," Basile said of Messi's delicate chip shot.

"It was something only the superstars do. An extraordinary feat that moved everybody,"

Five minutes later, Riquelme took matters into his own hands, converting a penalty kick for his fifth goal of the tournament.

"There is nothing left but to recognize the superiority of Argentina," Mexico coach Hugo Sanchez said.