Lionel Messi scored his first goal in this year’s Copa America, helping Argentina secure a victory against Canada in the semifinal on Tuesday, July 9.
Defending champions Argentina booked their place in the Copa America final after goals from Julian Alvarez and Lionel Messi secured a 2-0 win over Canada.
The reigning champions weathered an early storm and took the lead thanks to Alvarez’s goal in the 22nd minute. Messi put the match out of Canada’s reach early in the second half, converting a close-range shot from Enzo Fernández.
Argentina has won a record-equaling 15 Copa America titles and reached the final six times in the last eight editions, but Canada caused them real problems in the first 20 minutes, with Jacob Shaffelburg shooting twice from promising positions.
Argentina will face either Uruguay or Colombia in the final on Sunday in Florida, a match that could represent the last chance to win silverware for several senior team members, including Messi, Angel Di Maria, and Nicolas Otamendi.
