Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi inspired Argentina to a 2-0 victory over Canada, securing their place in the Copa America final. The 37-year-old scored six minutes into the second half, deflecting a shot from Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez past Canada goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau to double Argentina’s lead.
Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez opened the scoring for the World Cup holders, converting from close range after receiving a pass from Atletico Madrid’s Rodrigo de Paul.
This marks the sixth time in the last eight editions that Argentina, the 15-time Copa America winners, have reached the final. The upcoming final, against either Uruguay or Colombia, will be Angel Di Maria’s final appearance for Argentina before his international retirement, and there are doubts about Messi’s long-term future with the national team.
“Let’s enjoy what we are experiencing as a national team, as a group. It is not easy to be in a final again, to compete again to be champions,” Messi told TyC Sports. “I’m living it as I have been living everything lately – enjoying it very much and being aware, as it happens to Fideo (Di Maria) and Ota (Nicolas Otamendi), that these are the last battles.”
Argentina’s head coach, Lionel Scaloni, expressed his intention to “convince” Di Maria and Messi to continue their international careers. “For Leo (Messi), it’s similar to Angel,” said Scaloni. “We have to let him be and we will never be the ones to close the door. He can be with our team for as long as he wants to be. And if he wants to retire but still come and hang around, it would be great.”
Canada, ranked 48th in the world, saw their best chances early on with Nashville winger Jacob Shaffelburg, but were unable to capitalize. Lille striker Jonathan David had Canada’s best opportunity in first-half stoppage time but fired straight at Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Despite the defeat, Canada exceeded expectations in their inaugural Copa America appearance. Coach Jesse Marsch praised his team, saying, “What I said to the team afterwards is I know that they’re very disappointed, but I’m very proud of them. We’ve put together some incredible performances, just starting our process.”
Marsch emphasized the importance of expanding Canada’s player pool ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which they will co-host with Mexico and the USA. Canada will face the losers of the other semi-final in a third-place play-off on Sunday.
