Argentina secured their place in the Copa America 2024 final after defeating Canada 2-0 at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Tuesday. This triumph marks Argentina’s second consecutive appearance in the Copa America final.
Goals from Julian Alvarez and Lionel Messi
The defending champions, Argentina, were propelled to victory by goals from Julian Alvarez and team captain Lionel Messi, who netted his first goal of this tournament. Despite early pressure from Canada, Alvarez managed to break through the defense, scoring a pristine goal in the 22nd minute.
Messi extended the lead in the 51st minute by redirecting a shot from Enzo Fernandez at the edge of the box past Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau.
Argentina’s Consistent Success
This victory marks the third consecutive major final for Messi’s squad. The Albiceleste previously won the 2021 Copa America by defeating Brazil 1-0 in the final. Following that success, they clinched the 2022 Qatar World Cup, overcoming France in a dramatic penalty shootout after a 3-3 draw in extra time.
Upcoming Final Against Uruguay or Colombia
Argentina will face either Uruguay or Colombia, who are set to compete on Wednesday,
Messi’s Milestone
Messi’s goal in the semifinal took his international tally to 109, surpassing Iran’s Ali Daei, and making him the second-highest goal-scorer in international football history, only behind Cristiano Ronaldo who has 130 goals. This was also Messi’s 14th goal in Copa America history.
Top International Goal Scorers
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal): 130 goals
Lionel Messi (Argentina): 109 goals
Ali Daei (Iran): 108 goals
Sunil Chhetri (India): 94 goals
Mokhtar Dahari (Malaysia): 89 goals
Ali Mabkhout (UAE); Romelu Lukaku (Belgium): 85 goals
Ferenc Puskas (Hungary): 84 goals
Robert Lewandowski (Poland): 83 goals
Godfrey Chitalu (Zambia); Neymar (Brazil): 79 goals
Hussein Saeed (Iraq): 78 goals
Argentina’s path to the final and Messi’s continuous record-breaking achievements underline their dominant presence in international football. With another title on the horizon, the team’s consistent performance is a testament to their skill and determination on the world stage.
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