Messi scores his 109th goal as Argentina defeats Canada 2-0, securing a place in the Copa America final
Lionel Messi and Argentina are on the cusp of a historic achievement, aiming to become only the second nation after Spain to win three consecutive major titles. Following a commanding 2-0 victory over Canada in the Copa America semifinal, Messi emphasized the remarkable journey of the Argentine national team, highlighting their resilience and prowess.
The match saw Julián Álvarez open the scoring in the 22nd minute, skillfully evading defenders before slipping the ball past goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau. Messi extended Argentina’s lead in the 51st minute, redirecting a shot into the net after a defensive error by Ismaël Koné. This goal marked Messi’s 109th international goal and his 14th in Copa America competitions, placing him just three goals shy of the all-time record held by Cristiano Ronaldo.
Argentina’s path to the final has been characterized by an unbeaten streak of 10 games, demonstrating their formidable form under coach Lionel Scaloni. With a record 16th Copa America title in sight, Argentina awaits the winner of the Uruguay-Colombia semifinal clash.
Reflecting on the team’s journey, Messi expressed pride in their achievements amidst challenges like injuries and demanding playing conditions. The Copa America has tested teams with difficult surfaces and extreme weather, yet Argentina has navigated these challenges with resilience.
The match against Canada was a significant occasion for Canadian soccer, despite the loss. Coach Jesse Marsch acknowledged the tournament’s physical demands on his team, emphasizing the need for Canada to develop more depth in its squad for future competitions.
Star player Alphonso Davies faced a potential injury scare, adding to Canada’s challenges during the match. Despite creating a few scoring opportunities, Canada struggled to break through Argentina’s defense effectively.
Looking ahead, Argentina remains focused on securing victory in the Copa America final and possibly returning to MetLife Stadium for the 2026 World Cup. Coach Scaloni expressed openness to Messi’s continued involvement with the national team, indicating a hopeful future beyond the current tournament.
As Argentina prepares for the final showdown, their journey reflects both the team’s resilience and Messi’s enduring impact on international football.