Lionel Messi ended his Copa America goal drought in style, scoring a crucial second-half goal to propel Argentina into the tournament final with a convincing 2-0 win over Canada at MetLife Stadium on Tuesday night.
Argentina dominated the match, with Messi and Julian Alvarez leading the charge. Alvarez opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, capitalizing on Rodrigo de Paul’s pass to beat the keeper. Messi had earlier missed a chance, firing wide from outside the box. He made amends in the 51st minute, deflecting Enzo Fernandez’s strike into the net to double Argentina’s lead.
Canada fought hard in the second half, creating several dangerous attacks, but their momentum was halted when Alphonso Davies suffered an ankle injury with 20 minutes remaining. Argentina took control, threatening on the break and keeping Canada at bay to secure their place in the final.
“I got the ball, didn’t think about it for too long, and just shot,” Messi said of his goal. “I’m just enjoying myself, and I’m proud to be in the final.” Argentina will face either Uruguay or Colombia in Sunday’s final, seeking their third major tournament title in a row.
