Defending Champions Argentina have booked their place in the final of the 2024 Copa America following a commanding display against Canada.
Lightning has struck twice at the tournament, with La Albiceleste defeating Canada in identical fashion for the second time in a row.
Both nations met in their opening game of the 2024 Copa America and goals from Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez handed them a 2-0 win at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Manchester City’s Alvarez also displayed his hunger in the second meeting against Canada on July 10, as he scored the opener following a lovely through ball by Rodrigo De Paul.
Lionel Messi Is Finally Off The Mark At The 2024 Copa America
In a heated game at the MetLife stadium, Lionel Messi scored the second goal for Lionel Scaloni’s side via a left-footed attempt from close range after receiving a lovely pass from Enzo Fernandez.
It was not until the semi-finals that Messi got his first goal at the 2024 Copa America after several games where he either failed to hit the target or unable to score.
Ultimately, Lionel Messi is off the mark at the tournament and supporters of Argentina are buzzing about their chances of clinching back-to-back Copa America titles.
Messi was also handed the Player of the Match award for his stellar display in the game against the Canucks.
La Albiceleste have enjoyed astonishing success in recent years, with the team showing their brilliance either on the continental or the global stage.
They are also the defending champions of the FIFA World Cup, having defeated France on penalties to win the tournament in 2022.
Argentina In 2024 Copa America
Argentina have shown compactness, alertness, team spirit, and solidity thus far at the 2024 Copa America and that has been the driving factor for their success.
Lionel Messi alongside many of his teammates are on the verge of adding another international title to their illustrious trophy cabinet as they continue to enforce their dominance on the international level.
Lionel Messi Offers His Thoughts Over Another Final Outing With Argentina
Speaking after the triumph over Jesse Marsch’s side, Messi expressed that he is delighted Argentina will be playing in another final.
He said: “What this team has done, what the Argentina national team has done, because after this everyone gives more importance to all the finals that me and the ‘older guys’ have played.
“Me, Fide [Angel Di María], Ota [Nicolás Otamendi], and that Argentina can play another final is amazing.”
The 37-year-old then went on to touch on the 2024 Copa America and how it has been thus far.
Lionel Messi added: “To be honest it has been a difficult tournament, the level has been as equal as ever, very bad surfaces, high temperatures that make it hard to play, very tough rivals. So the fact we made it and we are here again playing a final is something to enjoy and highlight.”
Canada never really posed too much threat and looked like a threat before and during the game against Argentina, although it was intense at the MetLife Stadium, but Argentina were never really at any point troubled about losing.
Who Will Argentina Face In 2024 Copa America Final?
Anyway, Lionel Scaloni’s side will battle the winner of the other semi-final clash between Uruguay and Colombia in the final slated for Monday, July 15, 2024, at the Hard Rock Stadium by 01:00 AM (WAT).
Argentina will be hoping to silence whoever they face in the final, in what is expected to be a demanding game, where both countries will battle squarely to win the title.
Meanwhile, Nicolas Otamendi was introduced for La Albiceleste in the 64th minute of their encounter against Canada, while Nahuel Molina replaced Gonzalo Montiel 7 minutes later.
Lionel Scaloni made triple changes in the 78th minute, with Exequiel Palacios entering the fray for Alexis Mac Allister.
Nicolas Gonzalez was also substituted in for Angel Di Maria, while Julian Alvarez was withdrawn with Lautaro Martinez coming on in his stead.
Alphonso Davies Ends Copa America Outing On A Sour Note
Canada’s Alphonso Davies outing at the tournament ended on a bad note, as the defender was withdrawn for Jonathan Osorio in the 71st minute due to an injury.
He has been linked with a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid in recent months and it remains to be seen if that deal will see the light of day.
Drake Loses $300,000 Following Bet Placed On Canada Against Argentina
Rap icon Aubrey Drake Graham, known mononymously as Drake, also lost a staggering $300,000 after placing a bet on on Canada to defeat Argentina in the semi-finals of the 2024 Copa America.
The Canadian music star, who is known for audacious gambling choices backed the Canucks to defeat La Albiceleste in the last 4, but unfortunately, his country were defeated in the monumental clash.
Argentina also took a jibe at Drake after he lost the best, using rap rival Kendrick Lamar’s song titled “Not Like Us” to send him a message, as they played it on their full-time post.
Their English account also boldly wrote the song name “Not Like Us” on their post-match graphic.
