Argentina ended Canada’s impressive Copa America run with a 2-0 win in Tuesday’s semifinal to book its place in the showpiece match once again.
Just as he did in the tournament-opening meeting between these two teams last month – another Argentina victory by the same scoreline – Julian Alvarez broke the deadlock, getting clean through on goal and capitalizing in the 22nd minute. Lionel Messi finally notched his first goal of the tournament, and the 109th in his storied international career, to seal the result in the 51st minute.
Argentina, looking to defend its title and claim the Copa America crown for a record 16th time, will play either Colombia or Uruguay in Sunday’s final. Canada, meanwhile, will have to regroup and look to finish its Copa debut on a high in Saturday’s third-place game.