Lionel Messi, the current Ballon d’Or holder, showcased his talent with a precise touch of his legendary left boot to score his first goal of this summer’s Copa America tournament.
With Messi’s goal early in the second half and Julián Álvarez’s first-half strike, Argentina triumphed over Canada, 2-0, in their Copa America semifinal at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Tuesday night.
“It’s incredible what this team has achieved and what the Argentine national team continues to do,” Messi remarked after the match. “Now, the importance of all the finals that I and the veteran players have participated in will be recognized even more.”
Argentina will compete in the Copa America final on Sunday in Miami, awaiting the winner of Wednesday’s semifinal between Colombia and Uruguay, for a chance to further solidify its soccer dynasty.
As the defending World Cup champions, Argentina aims for its second consecutive Copa America title, potentially securing its fourth major international championship in three years, including the 2022 Finalissima victory over 2021 Euro champions Italy.