Lionel Messi helped Argentina secure a 2-0 victory over Canada to advance to the final of Copa America 2024.
Match Details:
Score:
Argentina 2-0 Canada
Goalscorers:
Argentina: Julian Alvarez, 22′, Lionel Messi, 51′
First Half Analysis
Argentina started the match slowly by holding possession and dictating the play. On the other hand, Canada was waiting for their moment and did not show any urgency in pressing the players in the first few minutes. With Alvarez in the front, Messi showed their hunger to be in the scorebook after the first 10 minutes. The first goal came after the decisive defense-splitting pass from Rodrigo De Paul to Alvarez in the 22nd minute of the game. Bombito slides in but fails to make contact with the ball, and Alvarez again shows composure by netting the ball nicely.
Key Moments
- Argentina took the lead in the 22nd minute through Alvarez
- Messi registered three shots in first orchestrating the play
- Canada had their chance to change the course of play
Second Half Highlights
Lionel Messi scored his first goal in the tournament and doubled the lead with an early second-half goal for Argentina. Canada was sloppy in defense, with Albe Celeste controlling the play. The Argentine captain’s goal was pure luck; Enzo’s shot took a deflection from him and went into the net. A lengthy VAR check for possible offside showed Cornelius playing Messi onside, and the goal was given. Canada had a couple of chances to score, but Emiliano Martinez rose to the occasion to deny those chances and send Argentina to the finals.
Key Moments
- Messi scored his first goal in the tournament and crossed Ali Daei of Iran to become history’s second-highest international goal scorer.
- Davies was injured and left the pitch after coming together with Montiel.
- Kone gets a yellow card for intentionally kicking the ball at De Paul and tussles between both teams.
Match Defining Moments
Julian Alvarez is showing class:
Julian Alvarez scored for the reigning champions, helping them take the lead in the first half. The Argentine attack was channeled through Messi and Alvarez, occupying the center of the pitch. The quick ball from De Paul was controlled and put in the back of the net, even under pressure from the Canadian defender.
Messi ends tournament goal drought:
Messi struggled to find form in Copa 2024 and had luck this time. The captain’s second goal gave Argentina the lead and booked a straight ticket to the final. This is the fourth final for the team in the last five tournaments.
Emi Martinez rising to the occasion:
Canada had their chances in the second half to return, making things difficult for Argentina. Emi Martinez raised the situation and made everything comfortable for the team.
Implications and Future Prospects
For Argentina:
This victory sends Argentina to the tournament’s final, where they face Columbia or Uruguay. Things will be different for Albe Celeste, whose hunger for trophies dropped after winning the World Cup. The Scaloni’s side struggled with top teams in this tournament. Uruguay or Colombia will be tough opponents in the final, with no room for errors.
For Canada:
Canada fought well in the tournament, even with the defeat in the semi-finals. Canada will face Columbia or Uruguay on Sunday morning in the losers’ final. Canadian coach Jesse Marsch blamed the players’ fatigue and lack of physicality after the match. The team has the potential to improve in certain areas, like defense.
Upcoming Fixtures
Argentina vs. Columbia or Uruguay [Final]: 15 July 2024
Canada vs. Columbia or Uruguay [Losers final]: 14 July 2024
Conclusion
Again, Argentina showed its experience on a big occasion, defeating Canada in the Copa America semi-finals. The final on Monday morning will be tough for Messi’s team, which will face one of the two super teams in the tournament. The sloppy defense of Canada was punished with two goals, and the CONCACAF team will have another chance to secure third place in the game on Sunday.
