Argentina secured a place in the 2024 Copa América final after a 2-0 victory over Canada on Tuesday.
Chasers: Álvarez 22′, Messi 51′
It was a slow and methodical start to this match, which naturally summed up the tense atmosphere at MetLife Stadium.
Argentina, as always, played with the ball, but the Canadians were up to the challenge and threatened three times in the first 20 minutes. Emerging star Jacob Shaffelburg hit both of his best attempts out of the net.
It took a mistake for the defending champions’ brilliance to shine. The Canadian defenders were too far apart and a brilliant pass from Rodrigo De Paul found Julian Alvarez, who slotted under Maxime Crepeau.
Still looking for his first goal in the tournament, Lionel Messi was excited, but ended up missing the target. Canada, however, was still unable to execute all of its attacks.
Even so, just six minutes into the second half, Inter Miami finally found the back of the net. Messi was in the right place at the right time to cleverly shoot the ball past the diving Crepeau to make it 2-0.
Canada continued to look after the ball in midfield, but challenges fell Argentina’s way. The World Champions have shown once again why they are number one in the world and proven experience on the big stage is vital to see games through.
Things got worse for the CONCACAF representatives when captain Alphonso Davies was forced off with an ankle injury after tangling with Gonzalo Montiel.
A 2-0 scoreline is known to be the most dangerous in football, but nothing from Canada’s substitutes could take Argentina down. The title holders will now face either Colombia or Uruguay for a second consecutive title.
