Copa America 2024: Messi Leads Argentina Past Canada into Final

Lionel Messi found the back of the net as reigning world champions Argentina delivered a standout performance to secure a 2-0 victory over Canada on Tuesday, advancing to the Copa America final. They now have the chance to claim their third consecutive major title.

Argentina, the defending Copa champions, will face either Uruguay or Colombia in the highly anticipated final in Miami on Sunday.

In front of a full house at the 82,500-capacity MetLife Stadium, Argentina displayed their finest form of the tournament. Echoing their 2022 World Cup success, they seem to be peaking just at the right time.

Messi expressed his excitement to TyC Sports after scoring his first goal of the tournament. “It’s incredible what this group has achieved, what the Argentina national team continues to do,” said Messi. “It’s not easy to reach another final, to compete for the championship again. I’m savoring every moment of these last battles,” the 37-year-old added.

Canada, who made an impressive run to the semi-finals in their first Copa America appearance, found Argentina too formidable. Canada’s coach, Jesse Marsch, noted his players’ fatigue by the middle of the first half. “The tournament caught up with us,” he admitted. “Our physicality and fatigue were significant factors tonight.”

Canada’s strategy of high-energy football was evident early on when Jacob Shaffelburg had a chance after cutting in from the left, but he missed the target. Argentina soon took control, with veteran Angel Di Maria frequently threatening down the right flank. Di Maria provided an early warning when he set up Messi, whose shot went just wide of the post.

Rodrigo De Paul broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute, with a precise long ball from midfield to Julian Alvarez. The Manchester City forward, starting ahead of Lautaro Martinez, controlled the ball expertly and scored.

The attacking trio of Di Maria, Messi, and De Paul consistently pressured Canada’s defense. Di Maria nearly added a second with a chip that floated just over the bar. Argentina’s confidence was clear, with coach Lionel Scaloni’s team showing a perfect blend of organization and creativity.

Just before halftime, Di Maria set up Messi for another chance, but his shot missed the right-hand post of Canada’s goalkeeper Max Crepeau.

Any hope of a Canadian comeback faded six minutes into the second half when De Paul set up Enzo Fernandez, whose shot was directed home by Messi. A brief moment of uncertainty followed as VAR checked for offside, but it confirmed the goal.

With a two-goal lead, Argentina managed the game efficiently, allowing Canada few opportunities. Substitute Tani Oluwaseyi forced a save from Emiliano Martinez in the closing minutes, but it was too little, too late.

Argentina comfortably saw out the match, leaving them just one win away from securing a record 16th Copa America title.