Lionel Messi scores as Argentina dominates Canada, advancing to the Copa América final

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Argentina's journey towards a Copa América repeat continued with a decisive yet straightforward victory.

Despite facing challenges, Argentina worked hard and overcame Canada, winning 2-0 at MetLife Stadium on a steamy Tuesday night in the first of two Copa semifinals. Although Canada posed occasional early threats, Argentina secured their place in Sunday’s final.

The clinching goal was one of the simplest in Lionel Messi's career, marking his first of the tournament. The breakthrough came midway through the first half with a straightforward play.

It began with two passes: from center back Cristian Romero to central midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, and then from De Paul to center forward Julián Álvarez. Álvarez’s skillful touch and quick movements left Canadian defender Moïse Bombito on the ground, and his third touch beat goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau, putting Argentina ahead.

Álvarez had also broken through in their opening match three weeks earlier in Atlanta. This time, Canada lasted only 22 minutes before Argentina took control.

During those 22 minutes, Canada showed promise with their counterattacks but lacked the finishing quality. Once Argentina scored, Canada struggled to recover.

Messi nearly scored with a right-footed shot just before halftime, narrowly missing the goal. However, he finally scored five minutes into the second half with a poacher's goal, redirecting an Enzo Fernandez shot into the net.

After ensuring he was onside, Messi celebrated with Enzo, enjoying a goal he hadn't experienced in a competitive Argentina match since October.

Argentina had appeared vulnerable in previous matches, needing a late goal to beat Chile, resting starters against Peru, and relying on a penalty shootout to defeat Ecuador in the quarterfinals. Thus, they entered this semifinal unproven but determined.

Despite some sloppy moments, Argentina had enough to defeat Canada and reach their third consecutive major tournament final. They will face either Colombia or Uruguay in the final, aiming for another title.

Though their journey has had ups and downs, Argentina is now just 90 minutes away from claiming another championship.