Marcos Rojo and Javier Pastore put Argentina 2-0 up and although Lucas Barrios halved the deficit just before half-time, two goals for Angel Di Maria and one apiece for Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuaín after the break sealed the win.

Although talisman Lionel Messi did not manage to get his name on the scoresheet, he still played a key part in three of the goals.

The four-time FIFA World Player of the Year took the free-kick from which Rojo opened the scoring on the quarter hour mark and assisted Pastore’s goal following a trademark jinking run.

Pastore turned provider in the 47th minute to set up Di Maria’s first and six minutes later, after a Messi-led counter-attack, his rebounded shot fell to the same man who finished into a gaping goal.

Players from Manchester City and Manchester United combined with 10 minutes remaining as Aguero headed in Di Maria’s cross before substitute Higuaín completed the rout with a magnificent sixth.

Paraguay managed to come from two goals behind to draw 2-2 with Argentina in the group stage but a superb 20-yard strike from Barrios, who scored a late equaliser last time the two teams met, proved to be nothing more than a consolation on this occasion.

Argentina will now contest the Copa América final for the third time in the last four editions as they go in search of their first title since 1993.

Their opponents Chile, meanwhile, will be playing in their first final in 28 years after they edged out 10-man Peru 2-1 in the other semi-final in Santiago de Chile.

Eduardo Vargas opened the scoring in the 42nd minute, slotting home after Alexis Sanchez’s shot had come back off the post.

Peru were already down to 10 men by this stage after defender Carlos Zambrano was shown a straight red card for following through on Charles Aranguiz as he cleared the ball downfield in the 20th minute.

They felt further aggrieved with replays suggesting Vargas was offside but they deservedly got themselves back on level terms on the hour mark thanks to an own goal from Gary Medel.

Medel stretched to cut out a devilish cross from right-back Luis Advincula but could only turn the ball past his own goalkeeper Claudio Bravo.

Vargas scored what proved to be the winner though four minutes later, firing a shot beyond Peru goalkeeper Pedro Gallese from 25 yards.


Related stories
June 2015: Brazil pay penalty as Paraguay progress to Copa América semi-finals
June 2015: Argentina progress to Copa América semi-final on penalties after goalless draw with Colombia
June 2015: Guerrero hat-trick sends Peru into Copa América semi-final
June 2015: Hosts Chile edge holders Uruguay in bad-tempered Copa América quarter-final
June 2015: Brazil advance to Copa América quarter-finals with victory against Venezuela