Lavezzi to miss Copa final after fracturing elbow

Lavezzi - who scored the game's opener inside four minutes - was forced off in the second half of his team's 4-0 win against USA after landing awkwardly when he tumbled over an advertising board in Houston.

Ezequiel Lavezzi was stretchered off in the second half in the semifinal.

Ezequiel Lavezzi will miss the Copa America Centenario final after it was confirmed he suffered an elbow fracture in Argentina's semi-final win over the United States on Tuesday. 

Lavezzi - who scored the game's opener inside four minutes - was forced off in the second half of his team's 4-0 win against USA after landing awkwardly when he tumbled over an advertising board in Houston.

The Hebei China Fortune forward leapt up for a header but was too close to the hoardings, appearing to land badly on his neck. 

After being taken away on a stretcher, medics confirmed the 31-year-old suffered a radial fracture in his left elbow. 

The injury will need surgery, ruling Lavezzi out of the Copa America final on Sunday.

Argentina will be hoping to end its 23-year wait for a major trophy in the decider, where it will meet either defending champions Chile or Colombia.