Under a hot, sticky sky, Argentina and Lionel Messi sealed their second consecutive Copa América final and fourth in the past five tournaments with a 2-0 win over Canada in Argentina vs Canada on Tuesday.
Argentina triumphed 2-0 over Canada in the Copa America 2024 semifinal at MetLife Stadium, securing their spot in their second consecutive final.
Julian Alvarez opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with a brilliant finish. Lionel Messi added the second goal in the 51st minute, redirecting Enzo Fernandez’s shot past Canada’s goalkeeper.
This marks Argentina’s third consecutive major final after winning Argentina vs Canada. They won the 2021 Copa America against Brazil and the 2022 World Cup against France. Argentina will face either Uruguay or Colombia in the final on Sunday in Miami Gardens, aiming for their record-extending 30th Copa America title, tied with Uruguay.
Argentina extended its unbeaten streak to 10 games. Messi praised the team’s achievements and the importance of their finals appearances. Now, Argentina has a chance to win the tournament again.
Lionel Messi plans to continue playing for Argentina beyond the Copa America final. After Argentina’s 2-0 win over Canada, he stated, “I intend to keep living day by day without thinking about the future. I’m 37 years old and only God knows when the end will be.”
Teammate Ángel Di María intends to retire after Sunday’s game, ending his international career with 31 goals in 144 appearances. He expressed gratitude to Argentine fans and his teammates after Argentina vs Canada. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni hopes Di María will reconsider his decision.
Messi and Di María have led Argentina to numerous victories, including the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 World Cup. South American World Cup qualifying resumes in September.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni held out hope Di Maria would reverse his decision.
We don’t want to start crying right now. We don’t want to feel melancholy,” Scaloni said. “We have to let him play and then we’ll see if we can convince him or not to stay with us.” South American World Cup qualifying resumes in September, with each national team scheduled to play 12 more matches. The 2026 World Cup final will be at MetLife, that July 19. “We will never be the ones to close the door,” Scaloni said. “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. And if he wants to come with me to somewhere else I will take him everywhere so he can decide whatever he wants to do.”
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