Lionel Messi and Argentina are once again heading to the Copa América final.
In a match held at MetLife Stadium, the reigning champions defeated Canada 2-0 in front of a sellout crowd of 80,000 fans. This victory secured their place in Sunday’s final in Miami.
Argentina, aiming for a record 16th title, will face either Colombia or Uruguay. Julián Álvarez opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, with Messi adding a second goal early in the second half.
Play of the Game:
Messi’s goal, which came from a deflected shot by Enzo Fernández past Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau, was pivotal for Argentina. However, it was Julián Álvarez’s brilliant strike that initially set Argentina on their winning path. The play started with Rodrigo De Paul’s impressive long pass to Álvarez. Despite the tight defense from Moïse Bombito, Álvarez managed to control the pass and score.
Turning Point:
In the first 20 minutes, Canada had better chances despite their lower possession (35%). They threatened Argentina’s defense with several counterattacks. Jacob Shaffelburg and Jonathan David created early opportunities, with David missing a key chance five minutes before Argentina’s opening goal. Canada held a 3-2 shot advantage until Álvarez scored.
Key Stat:
Argentina ended the match with 11 shots to Canada’s eight, scoring twice from three on-target attempts. Canada only managed to test Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez twice, once at the end of each half.
What’s Next for Canada?
Despite the loss, Canada can be proud of their remarkable Copa América journey. Their unexpected success captivated the nation, with a significant portion of the population tuning in to watch. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Canada has built strong momentum. Their next match is against the United States on September 7, adding intrigue given that Canada’s coach, Jesse Marsch, was once considered for the U.S. team.
What’s Next for Argentina?
Argentina is headed to their third consecutive major tournament final. Having won the last two, they are motivated to claim a record 16th Copa América title. Whether they face Colombia or Uruguay in the final, it will be a challenging match. Argentina aims to surpass Uruguay, with whom they are currently tied for the most Copa titles.