Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez scored one goal each as Argentina Beat Canada to qualify for the final of this year’s edition of Copa America
It was Messi’s first goal at this edition of Copa América, and his 14th in the tournament overall, as Argentina overcame Canada for the second time in this tournament by the same scoreline 2-0 in front of more than 80,000 fans at a hot and humid MetLife Stadium on Wednesday morning
The Argentina captain deflected an Enzo Fernández shot into the net from close range early in the second half to seal his team’s place in Sunday’s final. Messi’s goal added to a first-half Julián Álvarez strike against the run of play, which curtailed a spirited opening from Jesse Marsch’s side.
La Albiceleste will take on Uruguay or Colombia in the final at the Miami Dolphins’ Hard Rock Stadium. The second semi-final takes place in Charlotte on Wednesday night.
Argentina, the heavy tournament favourites, were much improved over their quarter-final win against Ecuador – when Emi Martínez was once again needed to get his team through a penalty shootout.
However, a sterner test will need to be passed for Lionel Scaloni’s team if the world champions are to reassert their dominance over the Americas.
It was the Canadians who had the better of the opening exchanges. The underdogs’ crisp passing, movement and superior running power manufactured several promising attacks. Nashville SC forward Jacob Shaffelburg might have done better with shooting opportunities on two occasions within the first 10 minutes.
Argentina, by comparison, were less energetic and ponderous in possession. Messi fired just wide from 18 yards for his team’s only effort on goal during the opening forays.
So, it was surprising when Argentina took the lead on 22 minutes through Álvarez. The Manchester City forward latched on to Rodrigo De Paul’s through-ball and evaded the desperate challenge of Moïse Bombito before scraping the ball through the legs of Maxime Crépeau, Canada’s shootout hero in the quarters.
The goal subdued the Canadians’ confident and fast-paced start. Their high intensity pressing evaporated in the minutes before half-time yet the prolific Jonathan David might have restored parity in first-half stoppage time after a poked effort from a long throw was blocked by Martínez.
Argentina started the second period assertively and they were quickly rewarded when Messi got the slightest of touches to divert Fernández’s effort past Crépeau in the 51st minute. It was his 14th goal in 38 Copa América games and 109th in 186 caps for the national side.
Messi looked brighter and fitter than in the quarter-final, when he had only 32 touches (his fewest since 2011 in a full competitive game for Argentina, and also missed in the shootout.
Argentina will meet the winner of today’s Semi final between Colombia and Uruguay in Sunday’s Final.
Copa America: Argentina Survived Canada Scare To Qualify For Final
