Argentina national team captain and forward Lionel Messi commented on the qualification of the "Albiceleste" for the final of the Copa América 2024 currently taking place in the United States. In the early hours of July 10, the Argentines beat the Canadian national team 2-0 in the semi-final of the Copa América, with Messi, 37, scoring a goal and being named the man of the match.
"Onward! To the final! I am very happy to reach another Copa America final. We still have one more step to take," Messi said in his post-match interview.
The Argentine national team has become the first finalist of the 2024 Copa América. In the championship match, the reigning world champions will face the winner of the other semi-final between Uruguay and Colombia, while the loser of that encounter will meet the Canadian national team in the match for third place.
Messi's semi-final goal was a timely contribution that underlined his enduring importance to the Argentina team. At 37, the Barcelona legend continues to defy the effects of time and remains a driving force for his national team as they look to add another Copa América trophy to their collection.
Argentina's progress to the final will be particularly sweet for Messi, who has experienced both triumph and heartbreak with the national team during his illustrious career. After the disappointment of losing the 2014 World Cup final, Messi will be desperate to lead his team to glory and cement his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time.
Argentina's final opponent remains to be seen, but Uruguay and Colombia have talented and experienced teams that will provide tough opposition. The third-place matchup between the losing semi-finalist and Canada will also be an intriguing encounter, as the Canadians look to continue their impressive form in the tournament and secure a podium finish.
Beyond individual performances and the quest for the trophy, the 2024 Copa América also served as an important platform for the continued growth and development of the game across the Americas. The inclusion of Canada, a relative newcomer to the South American football scene, added an extra layer of intrigue and showcased the sport’s growing global reach.
As the tournament reaches its climax, the eyes of the footballing world will be firmly fixed on the final, where Messi and his Argentina teammates will aim to cap a successful campaign with the ultimate prize. The veteran forward's hunger and desire to win a major international trophy with his country shows no sign of diminishing, setting the stage for a gripping conclusion to the 2024 Copa América.
