NEWSKFM : Argentina vs Canada Copa America 2024 : Lionel Messi was in the right place at the right time, needing a gentle touch of his legendary left boot to find the back of the net.
It was Messi’s first goal during this summer’s Copa America tournament.
Now, Messi and Argentina have a chance to win the whole thing again.
Messi scored a quirky goal early in the second half, Julián Álvarez scored in the first half and Argentina defeated Canada, 2-0, on Tuesday night during their Copa America semifinal at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
“It’s crazy what this group did, what the Argentine national team has been doing,” Messi said after the game. “After this, much more importance will be given to all the finals that I and all of the old group had to play in.”
The first Copa America semifinal is a classic case of David vs. Goliath. Reigning champions and the world’s top-ranked team Argentina face the Cinderella story of the tournament in Canada for a spot in the final on Tuesday.
To no one’s surprise, Argentina have barely put a foot wrong on their way to the semifinals, relying on a handful of attacking talents while Lionel Messi takes more of a behind-the-scenes role in what could be his final international tournament.
They will naturally be the heavy favorites against Canada, who they beat 2-0 to open the competition. It’s a surprise rematch of the first game since Canada have gone on an unexpected run to the final four just weeks into Jesse Marsch’s tenure as head coach.
It sets up for an intriguing showdown between two teams with the same ambition, but with different points to prove.
When is the Copa America final? Argentina vs Canada Copa America 2024.
Argentina, the defending World Cup champion, will pursue its second straight Copa America title. It could be the fourth major international championship in a three-year span — including the 2022 Finalissima win over 2021 Euro champion Italy.
Argentina will play in the Copa America final on Sunday in Miami – awaiting Colombia and Uruguay to play Wednesday’s semifinal – for a chance to further cement its soccer dynasty.
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Messi scores his first goal during this Copa America. Argentina vs Canada Copa America 2024.
Messi was scoreless through Argentina’s five Copa America matches, and missing one on June 29 to nurse a right groin/adductor injury he has since returned from in the last two matches.
Messi, Argentina’s star, orchestrated another score, finding his way in the goal area to slightly touch a shot from Enzo Fernández in the 51st minute to give Argentina a 2-0 lead. It was the cushion they needed to cruise in the second half against Canada.
Messi finally delivered, but his goal lacked the theatrics that leave lasting impressions like many others in his career have.
Messi was persistent with three shots in the first half toward the net, growing more and more frustrated to break through and deliver a shining moment during the tournament.
However, it was an early attack in the second half to demoralize Canada, playing in its first Copa America tournament and reaching the semifinal – outlasting the likes of Brazil, Venezuela, United States and others.
Messi didn’t unleash a wicked boot from distance. He was barely 3 feet in front of the net. And the referees needed to review the score before ruling in Argentina’s favor as he and his teammates celebrated.
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Argentina, however, was a Copa America favorite from the start. It beat Canada in the opener, along with Chile and Peru in the group stage. Argentina also rebounded from Messi’s miss in a penalty shootout to beat Ecuador in the quarterfinal.
And then defeated Canada again decisively.
“It is extremely tough to reach another final,” Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni said. “We are carrying a great level of praise with great success. We know how hard it is to get here.”
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