Today, July 10, the Argentina national team defeated the Canada national team 2-0 in the semifinals of the 2024 Copa América at MetLife Stadium.
Forward Lionel Messi scored Argentina's second goal in the match, which was his first goal in the current tournament. The 37-year-old forward now has one goal and one assist in four games played at the Copa 2024. It was the first time in Messi's career that he failed to score a single goal in the group stage of a major tournament.
"I'm relieved to finally get off the ground in this Copa America," Messi said after the match. "It's not for lack of trying, but the Canadian defense made it very difficult for us at times. I'm just happy to have been able to contribute to the team's victory and help us reach the final."In the final, Argentina will face the winner of the Uruguay-Colombia semi-final, which will be played tomorrow, July 11.
The 2024 Copa America runs from June 21 to July 15. The defending champion is Argentina, who beat Brazil 1-0 in the 2021 final. “Reaching another Copa America final is a fantastic achievement for this team,” Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni said. “But we know the job is not done yet. We will have to be at our best to lift the trophy again.”
Messi, playing in his fifth Copa America tournament, is desperate to finally win the one major international trophy that has eluded him throughout his illustrious career.
"This is our chance to make history," Messi said. "I've already come so close to winning the Copa America and I'm determined not to let this opportunity slip through our fingers. We'll give everything we have to defend our title.
The 37-year-old has been in inspired form throughout the tournament, leading Argentina's charge with his creativity, goals and leadership. His performance against Canada was another demonstration of his enduring quality and importance to the national team.
"Lionel is the heart and soul of this team," said teammate Ángel Di María. "When he plays at his best, there's no one who can stop us. We'll be counting on him to put in another big performance in the final."
With the trophy within their grasp, Argentina and Messi are set to cement their legacy as one of the greatest international teams of their era. The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the 2024 Copa América, as the veteran forward looks to lead his country to another continental triumph.
