Lionel Messi led Argentina to their seventh Copa America final by breaking several records. In the semi-final match against Canada, Messi scored his 14th goal in the tournament, tying with Paolo Guerrero and Eduardo Vargas. He is now just three goals away from the all-time record.
Additionally, Messi moved to second place in the list of all-time international goalscorers with his 109th goal, surpassing Ali Daei. Cristiano Ronaldo currently holds the top spot with 130 goals in international football.
In his last 25 matches for Argentina, Lionel Messi has scored 28 goals, showcasing his exceptional form with the Albiceleste. His determination has propelled the defending champions to another chance at the title.
Conversely, Cristiano Ronaldo's hopes of securing more silverware with Portugal were dashed when they were eliminated by France in the Euro 2024 quarter-final on penalties.
Messi was impressed by the team's performance and highlighted the importance of the national team making it to another final, especially for the older generation of players.
Argentina is set to play against either Uruguay or Colombia in the final, scheduled to take place in Florida. Their goal is to replicate Spain's success by winning two continental tournament titles alongside a World Cup victory. Messi's squad clinched the Copa America in 2021 and then went on to win the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022. Spain achieved a similar feat by winning the Euros in 2008 and 2012, as well as the FIFA World Cup in 2010.
Despite facing early pressure, Argentina managed to take the lead in the 22nd minute thanks to a well-executed pass from Rodrigo De Paul to Alvarez, who skillfully scored between two defenders. The team gradually gained control of the match.
Messi missed an opportunity to increase their lead in the 44th minute, using skillful footwork to create space in the box before his shot missed the target. Just before halftime, Canada came close to equalizing when Jonathan David outpaced his defender to meet a long throw, but his close-range shot was aimed straight at goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Despite struggling with a muscle injury earlier in the tournament, Messi appeared revitalized in the hot and humid conditions at MetLife Stadium, the venue for the final of the FIFA World Cup in 2026. Messi found the back of the net for Argentina's second goal in the 51st minute, as he deflected Enzo Fernandez's shot from outside the box into the goal, beating Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau.
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