Lionel Messi found himself in the perfect spot to score, using a slight touch of his famous left foot to send the ball into the net. This marked Messi’s first goal in this summer’s Copa America tournament.
With this win, Messi and Argentina now have a chance to capture another Copa America title.
Messi scored early in the second half, Julián Álvarez netted in the first half, and Argentina defeated Canada 2-0 on Tuesday night in their Copa America semifinal at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The Copa America final is set for Sunday in Miami, where Argentina will await the winner of the Colombia vs. Uruguay semifinal taking place on Wednesday. Argentina aims for its second straight Copa America title, adding to their World Cup victory.
For his first goal in this Copa America, Messi capitalized on a shot from Enzo Fernández in the 51st minute, giving Argentina a comforting 2-0 lead. This came after Messi’s frustration over previous missed opportunities and a minor injury he had been nursing.
Throughout this Copa America, Messi had not scored in Argentina’s previous five matches and missed one due to his right groin/adductor injury. Before scoring, Messi had three shots in the first half but struggled to find the net until finally breaking through.
Messi’s goal might not have been the most spectacular of his career, but it was critical. The goal required a VAR review before it was confirmed, but it effectively broke Canada’s morale. Canada, participating in their first Copa America, had already surpassed expectations by reaching the semifinal.
Argentina has been a favorite in this tournament, beating Canada, Chile, and Peru in the group stage before overcoming Ecuador in the quarterfinals despite Messi’s earlier penalty shootout miss.
Álvarez opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, getting past a Canadian defender to put Argentina ahead. Veteran Ángel Di María left the game in the 78th minute to applause, as the upcoming final will be his last match in Argentina’s colors.
Messi took a hit in the 88th minute but managed to finish the game. Canada’s last notable attempt came in the 89th minute, but Argentine goalie Dibu Martinez made a crucial save.
Only one match remains for Argentina, as they seek to further solidify their status as one of soccer’s greatest teams with another Copa America title.