Lionel Messi and Argentina have stormed into the Copa America final, positioning themselves just one win away from equaling Spain's record of three consecutive major titles.
"It’s incredible what this team has achieved," Messi remarked after securing a 2-0 victory over Canada on Tuesday night, scoring his 109th international goal. "For those of us who have been here a while, it’s beyond impressive that we’re in another final."
The match saw Julián Álvarez open the scoring in the 22nd minute, expertly controlling a long pass from Rodrigo De Paul and skillfully slotting the ball past Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau. Messi doubled the lead in the 51st minute, redirecting Enzo Fernández’s shot following a poor clearance by Ismaël Koné.
"I wasn’t sure if Enzo’s shot would go in," Messi admitted. "It was a reflex."
Messi’s goal marked his first of the tournament and added to his remarkable tally of 28 goals in his last 25 matches for Argentina. He now has 14 goals in Copa America play, just three shy of the record. Only Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, with 130, has more international goals than Messi.
Argentina’s triumph extended their unbeaten streak to 10 games, and they are now set to face either Uruguay or Colombia in the final in Miami Gardens, Florida, aiming for a record 16th Copa title.
"We must enjoy every moment we’re living," Messi said. "I’m aware these are the last battles."
Argentina is seeking to replicate Spain’s feat of winning the 2008 and 2012 European Championships along with the 2010 World Cup. Following their 2022 World Cup triumph, another Copa America title would solidify their legacy.
"These are just statistics. I’m not really interested in them," Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said. "The most important thing is to win."
Messi, making his 38th Copa America appearance, showcased his agility throughout the match, narrowly missing several shots. Despite challenging conditions, including a heavy temporary grass surface at MetLife Stadium, Messi remained a constant threat.
"It’s been a very difficult Copa América," Messi said. "Very competitive, bad surfaces, excessive heat."
Argentina fans flooded Times Square the night before the match and filled MetLife Stadium, creating an overwhelmingly pro-Argentina atmosphere among the 80,102 spectators.
For Canada, this was a significant match, marking one of the biggest games in their soccer history. Despite their efforts, they were unable to overcome Argentina’s experience and skill.
"The tournament caught up with us a little bit," Canada coach Jesse Marsch said. "There’s been heat, travel, a lot of challenges. We’re still at the beginning of our process."
Canada’s star player, Alphonso Davies, was forced off in the 71st minute due to an injury, adding to Canada’s challenges. Despite two shots on target, Canadian efforts were thwarted by Argentina’s Emiliano Martínez.
"We started getting sloppy, away from the game plan," said Canadian defender Derek Cornelius.
While Messi referred to "last battles," Scaloni and fans hope Argentina and Messi will return for the 2026 World Cup final.
"We will never be the ones to close the door," Scaloni said. "He can be with our team for as long as he wants."
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