World champions Argentina 🇦🇷made history by defeating Canada🇨🇦 2:0 on Tuesday, July 9, at Met Life Stadium in New Jersey, United States, to reach their third consecutive Copa America 2024 ⚽⚽Final.
Canada, ranked 48th in the world, was knocked off its stride by Julian Alvarez‘s goal, and Argentina took a firmer grip on the game.
Goals from Alvarez, the Manchester City forward, and all-time most extraordinary Lionel Messi sealed the deal for La Albiencete, who have not been their best in the tournament but have managed to scale through.
The contest began with the underdogs, Canada, showing their mettle. They launched attacks, created opportunities, and looked to score, but unfortunately, the final killer instinct in front of the goal eluded them.
As the game unfolded, it took a display of teamwork for Argentina to break the deadlock. Cristian Romero initiated the move, passing to Rodrigo De Paul, who then found Julian Alvarez. Alvarez, with his three touches, slammed home Argentina’s first goal of the night, showcasing the unity and coordination among the players.
Lionel Messi then put the icing on the cake after he poked home a rebound shot from Enzo Fernandez, recording his first goal in the tournament and making himself the second-highest goalscorer in men’s international history after Cristiano Ronaldo.
Argentina, the 15-time Copa America winners, has reached the final for the sixth time in the last eight editions.
Argentina has also won more trophies than games lost in the last five years, winning three trophies and losing two games. The hope is that they clinch the 2024 Copa America title.
Old Boots Retiring
The final, against either Uruguay or Colombia, will be Angel di Maria‘s final appearance for Argentina before his international retirement, and there are doubts over Messi’s long-term future.
“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 said after the match.
“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.”
The semi-final between Uruguay and Colombia will take place on Thursday, 11 July, at 01:00 BST, and the Copa America final will be on Monday, 15 July (01:00).
Please comment, Like 👍and share this article, & Follow us on our social media handles.
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
