Houston, June 22 : Argentine forward Ezequiel Lavezzi will miss the final of the Copa America football tournament on Sunday after he suffered an elbow fracture in the semi-final against the US.

Lavezzi, who on Tuesday scored the game's opener inside four minutes, was forced off in the second half of their 4-0 win against the US after landing awkwardly when he tumbled over an advertising board here.

The Argentine 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, reports aol.co.uk.

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

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