LIONEL Messi finally got on the scoresheet in the early hours of today to steer Argentina to a 2-0 victory over Canada in the semi-final of the Copa America in front of over 80,000 fans at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the United States of America.
The Argentina captain’s first goal at this edition of Copa América, and his 14th in the tournament overall, sent the world champions to their second consecutive final as they seek a repeat of their 2021 triumph.
Messi, 37, deflected an Enzo Fernandez shot into the net from close range early in the second half to seal Argentina’s place in Sunday’s final.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s goal added to a first-half Julián Alvarez strike against Jesse Marsch’s side.
Argentina will face Uruguay or Colombia in the final at the Hard Rock Stadium, Miami in the early hours of Monday.
The semi-final between Canada and Argentina was billed as ‘David vs Goliath’ but the underdogs from North America started brightly, looking to avenge their 2-0 defeat in the group stage.
Argentina, who are the heavy tournament favourites, grew into the game and got the opening goal through Manchester City striker Alvarez in the 22nd minute.
Alvarez latched on to Rodrigo De Paul’s pass and evaded the desperate challenge of Moise Bombito before slipping the ball through the legs of Canada goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau.
Argentina started the second half on the front foot and they were quickly rewarded when Messi got the slightest of touches to divert Chelsea midfielder Fernandez’s effort past Crepeau in the 51st minute.
It was Messi’s 14th goal in 38 Copa America games and 109th in 186 caps for the national team.
Uruguay and Colombia will go to battle in the early hours of tomorrow to determine who will take on Argentina in the final.
