Argentina book place in Copa América final after Messi scores in win over Canada

Both teams reached the semi-finals after successful penalty shootouts, with La Albiceleste overcoming Ecuador and the Canucks narrowly beating Venezuela.

Right from the start, Argentina looked poised to dominate Canada, who became just the third CONCACAF team to reach the last four in their first Copa América appearance and the first in the region to do so since the USA in 2016.

It was no surprise when the reigning world champions took the lead, with Julian Alvarez scoring a fantastic goal with a low drive after a pass from Rodrigo de Paul. This marked the first time Canada had conceded a first-half goal in 10 competitive matches.

With a history of struggling in the final 45 minutes of games, Canada faced a tough challenge as they fell behind against Argentina.

Although Angel Di Maria came close to doubling Argentina's lead with a volley late in the first half, Canada finished the half strongly. Jonathan David even forced Emiliano Martinez into a crucial save just before halftime, leaving coach Jesse Marsch with plenty to discuss in the locker room.

Canada's 2-0 loss to Argentina was their only defeat to a CONMEBOL team in a continental tournament this century and their only loss in this tournament.

Just six minutes into the second half, the Canucks found themselves falling behind by the same margin as Lionel Messi redirected Enzo Fernandez’s shot after a one-touch play went haywire inside the box.

Argentina’s second goal effectively neutralized any Canadian threat for the remainder of the final 30 minutes, making the Canucks the 11th straight victim for the Albiceleste at the continental tournament.

Messi’s 14th strike at Copa América was more than enough for the Argentines, who also claimed a first semi-final clean sheet at the tournament since 2016.

They will face either Uruguay or Colombia in the final and are now unbeaten in normal time of a major tournament on US soil since 1994.

While the three-time world champions made it to their third consecutive final appearance at major tournaments, Canada exits the competition with their heads held high, having made it farther than most would have expected.