Julián Álvarez and Lionel Messi netted crucial goals as reigning champions Argentina secured a 2-0 victory over Canada in New Jersey on Tuesday, July 9, ensuring their spot in the Copa America final.
The 15-time Copa champions delivered their best performance of the tournament at the 82,500-capacity MetLife Stadium.
Mirroring their 2022 World Cup success, Argentina appears to be hitting peak form at the right time.
Jesse Marsch’s Canadian squad, known for their high-energy approach, started strong but missed an early chance when left-winger Jacob Shaffelburg fired wide after cutting in.
Argentina then took control and maintained their dominance throughout the match.
Alvarez opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, skillfully navigating between two defenders to finish cleanly.
Messi, who had several opportunities, extended Argentina’s lead in the 51st minute by deflecting Enzo Fernandez’s shot past Canada’s goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau.
With a two-goal advantage, Argentina shifted to a more defensive stance, conserving energy and challenging Canada to break through.
Despite some late pressure, including a notable save by Emiliano Martinez from substitute Tani Oluwaseyi, Argentina’s victory was never in doubt.
The win leaves Lionel Scaloni’s squad just one match away from a record 16th Copa America title.
Messi reflected on the team’s achievement, telling TyC Sports, “The truth is that it’s crazy what this group has done, what the Argentina national team has been doing.
“It’s not easy for us to be in a final again, for us to compete again to be champions. I’m living it like I lived it in the last Copa America, in the last World Cup… These are the last battles and I’m enjoying them to the maximum,” said the 37-year-old.
Canada, making an impressive run in their first Copa America appearance, ultimately found Argentina to be too formidable an opponent.
Marsch noted his team’s fatigue, saying, “I think the tournament caught up with us a little bit. Eventually the physicality and fatigue can catch up with you and that was a big part of what happened with us tonight.”
Messi’s somewhat fortuitous goal, redirecting Enzo Fernandez’s shot past Crepeau, effectively sealed the win for Argentina.
However, it was Alvarez’s stunning strike, initiated by a defense-splitting pass from Rodrigo De Paul, that set Argentina on their path to victory.
Alvarez skillfully controlled De Paul’s pass, shrugged off Canadian defender Moïse Bombito, and slotted the ball past Crepeau.
Argentina now awaits the winner of the Uruguay against Colombia semifinal, with the final set to take place in Miami Gardens, Florida on Sunday.
