Copa América: Álvarez, Messi Send Argentina to the Final

Argentina secured their spot in the 2024 Copa América final with a 2-0 victory in the semifinals against Canada on Tuesday night at MetLife Stadium. The defending champions will face the winner between Colombia and Uruguay as they look to win back-to-back Copa América trophies.

La Albiceleste counted on Olympique Lyonnais defender Nicolás Tagliafico to be in their starting 11. Former Paris Saint-Germain stars Lionel Messi and Ángel Di María also featured in the starting lineup for manager Lionel Scaloni.

As for Canada, LOSC Lille's Jonathan David and Olympique de Marseille's Ismaël Koné were in the starting 11 for manager Jesse Marsch. David played 64 minutes before being substituted while Koné played all 90 minutes for Canada.

In the first half, Argentina recorded eight total shots and opened the scoring courtesy of a goal from Manchester City's Julián Álvarez in the 22nd minute to take a 1-0 advantage. Canada registered four total shots but couldn't find the back of the net in the first 45 minutes.

Argentina would secure the insurance goal they needed to advance with a goal from Messi, who redirected a shot for a goal in the 51st minute as the South American side took a 2-0 lead. 

Canada faced a setback in the second half when Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies couldn't complete the match and was substituted in the 71st minute. The Canadians would finish the last 45 minutes recording five total shots but couldn't record a goal.

Scaloni and his team advance with a 2-0 win and now head to Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida, for the final against Colombia or Uruguay.

Photo credit: @copaamerica_ENG

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