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Argentina put in a much-improved performance in the Copa America as they established a 2-0 victory over Venezuela in the quarter-finals of the tournament on Friday.
Lautaro Martínez once again emerged as a decisive figure in Lionel Scaloni's squad, scoring the opener in the 10th minute of the game before substitute Giovani Lo Celso secured the victory with a 74th-minute tap-in. Martinez also netted the opener during Argentina's 2-0 win over Qatar earlier this week.
The quarter-final win means the Albiceleste are set to lock horns with tournament hosts Brazil in the semi-finals.
Lionel Scaloni's side endured a rough start to the 2019 Copa America campaign, losing their opening game 2-0 to Colombia. The team's lacklustre performances continued as they drew 1-1 with Paraguay in their second group game.
The Argentines were lucky to have secured their unconvincing win over minnows Qatar, saving themselves from yet another embarrassing exit from a major tournament.
Speaking after the game, Argentina captain Lionel Messi, who has only scored one goal throughout the tournament, said,
"Brazil has to be respected, they have reached this stage in the competition after having done very well so far. We are also trying to give our all in every game. Luckily things are going well.
Everything is very equal, but we know it will be difficult because they are the home side and they will be in front of their fans. They got an extra day to prepare as well. Still, it will be an even match, as we have our own set of skilled players."
Messi is looking to win his first major title with his national team, having come close to lifting a trophy thrice. The 32-year-old missed out on the 2014 FIFA World Cup after losing the finals to Germany and lost two consecutive Copa America finals (2015 and 2016) to Chile.
Fans have now taken to Twitter to react to Argentina's win:
