Argentina earns spot in Copa final

PUERTO ORDAZ, Venezuela -- Tournament favorite Argentina advanced to the final of the Copa America, beating Mexico, 3-0, last night on goals by Gabriel Heinze, Lionel Messi, and Juan Roman Riquelme.

Argentina plays defending champion Brazil Sunday at Maracaibo, Venezuela. Brazil defeated Argentina, 4-2, on penalty kicks in the 2004 final following a 2-2 tie.

Argentina, which came from behind to defeat Mexico, 2-1, in overtime in the second round of last year's World Cup, went ahead in the 44th minute when Heinze lifted his left leg high and toed in Riquelme's free kick.

Messi scored in the 61st minute, taking a pass from Riquelme and lobbing the ball over the outstretched hands of goalkeeper Oswaldo Sanchez.

Riquelme scored his fifth goal of the tournament in the 66th minute, converting a penalty kick after Carlos Tevez was fouled.

Brazil advanced Tuesday, beating Uruguay, 5-4, on penalty kicks following a 2-2 tie.

Mexico plays Uruguay Saturday for third place.