Key Highlights
- Match Result: Argentina defeats Canada 2-0 to reach the Copa America final.
- Goal Scorers: Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez.
- Record-Breaking Performance: Messi scores his 14th Copa America goal and surpasses Ali Daei in international goals.
Match Overview
Argentina secured a place in their seventh Copa America final in the last nine editions by defeating Canada 2-0 in New Jersey. Goals from Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez ensured the victory, with Messi reaching several significant milestones in the process.
Messi’s Milestones
- Copa America Goals: Messi’s goal marked his 14th in the tournament, tying him with Peru’s Paolo Guerrero and Chile’s Eduardo Vargas. He is now three goals shy of the all-time record.
- International Goals: With his 109th international goal, Messi surpassed Iran’s Ali Daei to become the second-highest international goalscorer, behind Cristiano Ronaldo, who has 130 goals.
- Recent Form: Messi has scored 28 goals in his last 25 matches for Argentina, maintaining an impressive run.
Match Details
- First Half: Argentina took the lead in the 22nd minute with a goal from Julian Alvarez, who finished off a pass from Rodrigo De Paul. Messi had an opportunity to extend the lead in the 44th minute but missed the target.
- Second Half: Messi scored Argentina’s second goal in the 51st minute, redirecting a shot from Enzo Fernandez past Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau.
Canada’s Challenge
Canada put up a spirited fight, with Jonathan David nearly equalizing just before halftime. However, Argentina’s defense, led by goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, managed to keep Canada at bay.
Messi’s Thoughts
“It is insane what this team has done, what the Argentina national team is doing. For those who remain from the old guard, it’s beyond impressive that the national team is in another final,” Messi said. Argentina will face either Uruguay or Colombia in the final, set to take place in Florida.
Argentina’s Quest for Glory
Argentina aims to emulate Spain’s achievement of winning two continental titles on either side of a World Cup triumph. Having won the Copa America in 2021 and the FIFA World Cup in 2022, Messi and his team are looking to add another Copa America title to their accolades.
