Messi scores as Argentina defeats Canada to qualify for Copa America final

Argentina comfortably defeated Canada 2-0 in the Copa America 2024 semi-finals, punching their ticket to their second consecutive Copa America final.

Argentina vs Canada opened Copa America 2024, and now, the two Group A teams met again at MetLife Stadium in the tournament’s first semi-final.

Just last week, La Albiceleste survived a late-game equalizer from Ecuador and a penalty shootout in the quarter-finals while the Reds won a penalty shootout of their own against Venezuela.

The winner of the rematch tonight advanced to the final, and the loser settled for a third place match.

The match got off to a tentative start with both sides enjoying prolonged spells of possession that led to a few half-chances before Argentina took control of the game.

In the 23rd minute, Rodrigo De Paul found himself on the ball in the midfield with ample time and space to pick out a pass to Julian Alvarez, who got in behind Moise Bombito and slotted the ball through Maxime Crepeau’s legs to go up 1-0.

The reigning champions took their foot off the gas for the rest of the first half, allowing Canada to push forward, but Jesse Marsch’s side lacked the end product in the final third.

In the dying minutes of the half, Emiliano Martinez had to make a big save at his near post after Jonathan David got on the end of a long throw from Jacob Shaffelburg.

Just five minutes into the second half, La Albiceleste doubled their lead. Ismael Kone failed to clear the ball in his own box, and his weak effort fell right to the feet of an unmarked Enzo Fernandez 15 yards out.

The midfielder’s ensuing shot was deflected in by Messi, giving the captain his first goal of the tournament.

The rest of the game unfolded with little fanfare. Argentina never looked in danger of conceding their lead, and Lionel Scaloni even had the luxury of subbing off many of his starters in the second half before the upcoming final on July 14 at Hard Rock Stadium.