Argentina romped into the Copa America final in the early hours of Wednesday morning following a convincing 4-0 thumping of the United States.

The Argentines never looked troubled as they took the lead as early as the third minute, before a Lionel Messi free-kick all but put the game to rest before half-time, reports ESPN.

Gonzalo Higuain added a further two strikes following the interval as the La Albiceleste cruised into the final, where they will face either defending champions Chile or Colombia.

Messi was the architect of the opening goal as he chipped a delicate ball over the defence for Ezequiel Lavezzi to run onto and duly finish off with his head. The Barcelona superstar grabbed yet another assist as he set-up the second of Higuain’s goals, taking his tally to five goals and four assists for the tournament.

US coach Jurgen Klinsmann gambled in his lineup by selecting veteran forward Chris Wondolowski as a surprise attacker for the tie, but strategy proved a futile one as the player was eventually hauled-off at half-time.

‘You have to take risks,’ Klinsmann had said ahead of the tie.

Photo: Copa America Website