MetLife Stadium, New Jersey — Lionel Messi scored his 109th international goal, leading defending champions Argentina to a 2-0 victory over Canada on Tuesday night, securing their place in the Copa America final.
Julian Alvarez opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, skillfully slipping the ball past Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau. Messi doubled the lead in the 51st minute, redirecting Enzo Fernandez’s shot, marking his first goal of the tournament and edging closer to the Copa America goals record.
The match drew a passionate crowd of over 80,000 spectators, with Argentina fans filling the stands and creating an electrifying atmosphere reminiscent of Buenos Aires. The victory extends Argentina’s unbeaten streak to ten games as they aim for a record 16th Copa America title.
Messi’s impressive tally places him second only to Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, who holds the record with 130 international goals. The Argentine captain continues to inspire both his team and fans worldwide, showcasing remarkable form at 37 years old.
Canada, making a historic run in the tournament, faced challenges as star player Alphonso Davies left the field due to injury in the 71st minute. Despite valiant efforts, Canada was unable to break through Argentina’s solid defense, with goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez making crucial saves.
Argentina will face either Uruguay or Colombia in the final, set to take place at Miami Gardens, Florida. A win would not only secure consecutive Copa America titles but also cement their status following their 2022 World Cup triumph.
The Copa America has garnered significant global attention this year, with fans from Asia and around the world tuning in to witness the thrilling matches. Messi’s performance continues to captivate international audiences, highlighting the unifying power of football across cultures and continents.
As Argentina marches toward potential glory, football enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the final showdown, which promises high-stakes action and a celebration of the sport’s global appeal.
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Messi's 109th goal for Argentina leads them into Copa America final
cgtn.com
