Argentina Triumphs Over Canada

Argentina Triumphs Over Canada, Sets Sights on Another CONMEBOL Copa América™ Title

Canada and Argentina delivered a chaotic yet entertaining first half, lacking midfield control and the usual tension of defining matches. The debuting Canadian team was more dangerous, keeping the ball close to Emiliano Martínez's goal. However, despite their slight superiority in the first 20 minutes, they failed to create clear opportunities.

Rodrigo de Paul, from the center circle, spotted a pass into space, which Julián Alvarez expertly controlled between two central defenders. Facing the goalkeeper one-on-one, the Manchester City forward rarely misses, and just like in the 2022 World Cup Semifinal, Álvarez opened the scoring for Scaloni's team.

From that moment, Argentina neutralized Canadian attacks and created several scoring opportunities. Di María came close to replicating his goal against Brazil in the 2021 Copa América Final. Tagliafico had his chance too, and near the end of the first half, Messi's shot in the area just missed the post.

Canada's Jonathan David had the last chance of the first half with their first shot on goal. At halftime, Argentina led 1-0.

Early in the second half, Lionel Messi cut in from the right, reminiscent of his early days. Inside the box, he passed to Rodrigo de Paul. After a rebound, Enzo Fernández's shot was deflected by Messi, and following a VAR review, it was confirmed as Argentina's second goal. This marked Messi's first goal in this edition and his 14th in his Copa América career.

With a comfortable 2-0 lead, Argentina slowed the game and made substitutions to refresh the team, including Di María, who played one of his last matches for the national team.

In the final minutes, Canada pressed hard and had their best chance, but Dibu Martínez stopped Tani Oluwaseyi's shot.

Argentina secured a 2-0 victory, advancing to the final and ensuring their fifth consecutive podium finish in the world's oldest national team tournament: 2015 (final), 2016 (final), 2019 (third place), 2021 (champions), and an undecided finish in 2024.