Lionel Messi is once again stepping up to the plate for Argentina at this summer's Copa America and proving that he can be the difference maker for his country.

The Argentine star opened his account in the tournament by scoring his 73rd international goal with a sublime free-kick in his side's opener against Chile, which finished 1-1.

He turned provider in Argentina's second match in Group B against Uruguay, with a fantastic assist for Guido Rodriguez to give his side a 1-0 victory.

Messi picked up the ball from a short corner before shifting past his man and sending a superb cross to the back post for Rodriguez to nod home.

This is a massive three points for the Albiceleste, as it takes them to top spot in their group and a step closer to the quarter-finals of the competition. Paraguay could still go above them if they win their game in hand, though.

The Barcelona forward has never won the Copa America, with many saying this could be his last chance to get his hands on the trophy, and if Argentina are to enjoy success this summer they will very much be relying on their talisman Messi to inspire them to glory.

Judging from his first two outings at the tournament, Messi is performing somewhere near his best. Yet, the 33-year-old will be hoping that there is yet another level that he can reach in order to silence his doubters at international level and lift his first piece of silverware with the Argentina national team.

Everyone knows that if he is unstoppable if he hits his top level and we could see him lead his Argentina side all the way in Brazil over the next few weeks.

Argentina next face Paraguay at the Estadio Nacional de Brasilia on Monday night at 2:00 CEST.