Argentina made sure of securing the top spot in Group A of the 2021 Copa America as they routed Bolivia 4-1.

Lionel Messi starred once again as he bagged a brace to set up a Copa America quarterfinal against Ecuador.

Alejandro Gomez volleyed home from a perfect Messi pass in the 6th minute to put Argentina up early.

The Barcelona captain passed Javier Mascherano as Argentina’s most capped international. He had to have a top performance on this big day and he did just that.

Messi made it 2-0 from the penalty spot after the 32nd minute. He then doubled his tally shortly before halftime. He chipped the keeper smartly in the 42nd minute to put his side up 3-0.

Erwin Saavedra then scored a consolation for Bolivia at the hour mark but substitute Lautaro Martinez restored made it 4-1 just 5 minutes later.

This result means that Argentina face Ecuador in the last eight on Saturday. With the group stages all done and dusted, we have the final draws for the quarterfinals.

Uruguay beat Paraguay 1-0 to finish second in Group A, which means Chile face Brazil.

Here is how the Groups of the 2021 CONMEBOL Copa America ended up.

Group A

  1. Argentina – 10 points
  2. Uruguay – 7 points
  3. Paraguay – 6 points
  4. Chile – 5 points
  5. Bolivia – 0 points

Group B

  1. Brazil – 10 points
  2. Peru – 7 points
  3. Colombia – 4 points
  4. Ecuador – 3 points
  5. Venezuela – 2 points

Here are the quarterfinal fixtures.

  • Argentina vs Ecuador
  • Uruguay vs Colombia
  • Brazil vs Chile
  • Paraguay vs Peru