By Martin Graham | tenth Jul 2024
Inter Miami’s star ahead Lionel Messi propelled Argentina to the Copa America final with a 2-0 victory towards Canada. The 37-year-old doubled Argentina’s lead six minutes into the second half by deflecting a shot from Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez previous Canada’s goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau.
The World Cup champions initially went forward by way of Manchester Metropolis’s Julian Alvarez, who scored after receiving a go from Atletico Madrid’s Rodrigo de Paul and ending from shut vary.
This marks the sixth time within the final eight editions that Argentina, who’ve received the Copa America 15 occasions, have reached the final. The upcoming match will likely be Angel di Maria’s final for Argentina earlier than retiring from worldwide play, and there are questions relating to Messi’s future as effectively.
Messi expressed his sentiments to TyC Sports activities, saying, “Let’s savor this second as a group, as a bunch. It’s not straightforward to attain one other final and compete for the championship once more.” He added, “I’m having fun with each second, understanding, like Fideo (Di Maria) and Ota (Nicolas Otamendi), that these are our final battles.”
Scaloni hopes to preserve Di Maria and Messi
Argentina’s coach, Lionel Scaloni, talked about he would strive to persuade Di Maria and Messi to proceed their worldwide careers. “For Leo (Messi), it’s related to Angel,” Scaloni stated. “We want to give him house and by no means be those to shut the door. He can keep with the group so long as he needs. Even when he retires however desires to stay concerned, it might be improbable.”
Canada, ranked forty eighth globally, struggled to discover their footing after Alvarez’s purpose. Their winger, Jacob Shaffelburg from Nashville, missed vital alternatives early within the match. Lille’s Jonathan David had Canada’s finest probability in first-half stoppage time, however his effort was saved by Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez.
Regardless of their loss, Canada exceeded expectations of their first Copa America look. The group, co-hosting the 2026 World Cup with Mexico and the USA, will play within the third-place match on Sunday towards the loser of the Uruguay vs. Colombia semi-final.
Coach Jesse Marsch praised his group’s effort, saying, “I do know they’re disillusioned, however I’m extraordinarily happy with them. We’ve delivered some exceptional performances as we begin this journey.” Marsch additionally emphasised the significance of increasing Canada’s “participant pool” within the coming years.
The semi-final between Uruguay and Colombia is scheduled for Thursday, 11 July at 01:00 BST, and the Copa America final will happen on Monday, 15 July at 01:00 BST.