Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi inspired Argentina to the Copa America final with a commanding 2-0 victory over Canada. The 37-year-old star doubled Argentina’s lead six minutes into the second half by deflecting an effort from Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez past Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau.
The World Cup holders took the lead in the first half when Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez latched onto a pass from Atletico Madrid’s Rodrigo de Paul and scored from close range. This marks the sixth time in the last eight editions that Argentina, the 15-time Copa America champions, have reached the final.
Argentina will face either Uruguay or Colombia in the final, which will be a significant match for Angel di Maria as it is set to be his last appearance for the national team before his international retirement. There are also uncertainties regarding Messi’s future with the team.
“Let’s enjoy what we are experiencing as a national team, as a group. It is not easy to be in a final again, to compete again to be champions,” Messi told TyC Sports. “I’m living it as I have been living everything lately – enjoying it very much and being aware, as it happens to Fideo (Di Maria) and Ota (Nicolas Otamendi), that these are the last battles.”
Argentina’s coach, Lionel Scaloni, expressed his desire to convince both Di Maria and Messi to continue their international careers. “For Leo (Messi), it’s similar to Angel. We have to let him be and we will never be the ones to close the door. He can be with our team for as long as he wants to be,” Scaloni stated.
Canada, ranked 48th in the world, had their best chances in the early stages, with Nashville winger Jacob Shaffelburg missing key opportunities. Despite a strong effort, Canada struggled to regain momentum after Alvarez’s goal. Lille striker Jonathan David had a promising chance in first-half stoppage time but fired straight at Argentina’s goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez.
Despite the defeat, Canada surpassed expectations in their first Copa America appearance. Jesse Marsch’s team, co-hosts of the 2026 World Cup with Mexico and the USA, will compete in the third-place play-off on Sunday against the loser of the Uruguay-Colombia semi-final.
“I’m very proud of them,” Marsch said after the match. “We’ve put together some incredible performances, just starting our process.” He emphasized the importance of expanding Canada’s player pool in the coming years.
The semi-final between Uruguay and Colombia is set for Thursday, 11 July at 01:00 BST, with the Copa America final scheduled for Monday, 15 July at 01:00 BST.
