Argentina 2-0 Canada: summary, score, Messi goal, highlights Copa América
Argentina - Canada: As it happened
Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez lead the way
Argentina get past a hard-working Canada side that reached the final four in their first-ever Copa America appearance. Julian Alvarez fired Argentina ahead with 21 minutes on the clock and Lionel Messi made it safe early in the second half, poking the ball home from close range.
Argentina are in the Copa America final!
For a third consecutive major tournament, Argentina are into the final! It wasn't a classic performance from Lionel Scaloni's team but they got the job done and were able to cruise to victory against Cananda.
As we enter the final minute of the signalled four, a chorus of 'Muchachos' rolls around the MetLife Stadium. They're nearly there.
Alastair Johnston tries to force a late chance for Canada but the fullback gets the cross all wrong and it floats harmlessly out of play. Goal kick to Argentina.
Rodrigo de Paul does well to maraud down the right flank but he can't quite reach the ball before it rolls out for a Canada goal kick.
Still, he's used up a few more seconds there.
We're going to have four minutes of added time.
Tani Oluwaseyi head flashes wide!
Another chance for the Minnesota man. This time it's a cross whipped into the box and an instinctive header, just wide of the target.
Oluwaseyi should have scored that.
From nowhere, Canada win the ball high up and it falls to Tani Oluwaseyi on the edge of the box. The Minnesota striker aims for the bottom corner but Martinez gets down well to save.
Moment of panic as Lionel Messi goes down under a challenge on the halfway line but he's quickly to his feet and jogging around again.
Argentina may have made a sluggish start to this game but they are just so good at seeing games out once they take the lead. Their defensive structure has been great in the second half and their one-on-one defending - Romero, in particular - has given Canada very little chance of getting back into this game.
Positive play from Liam Millar as he darts inside from the right flank and combine with Larin in the middle. Millar gets the ball back and tries to curl a cross to the far post but it's overhit and drifts out for a goal kick.
With less than ten minutes to go and a two-goal lead, it's a little strange to see that Lionel Messi is still on the field. He was struggling with a thigh issue during the group stages and will now have to see this one out to the bitter end.
In fairness, he's not during a huge amount of off-the-ball work in this Argentina system. He'll probably manage.
Ismael Kone
The Canada midfielder is booked for kick the ball at De Paul after a foul was called on him. Frustration starting to set in now for Canada.
Triple change for Argentina now.
Alvarez, Mac Allister and Di Maria come off. Lautaro Martinez, Palacios and Nicolas Gonzalez replace them.
New Jersey's blue when Argentina are in town
We were told ahead of kick-off that this semi-final was a sell-out and the attendance has just been confirmed as more than 80,100. Quite a lot of that number, it seems, are wearing the famous blue and white of Argentina.
Rodrigo de Paul is on the receiving end of a third foul in as many minutes. He's doing a good job for his team, bringing them up the field and winning fouls.
The Atletico midfielder has been good value for his place in the team tonight
That injury to Alphonso Davies and a spate of substitutions seems to have dulled the atmosphere a bit, making it tricky for Canada to build any momentum in the final 20 minutes of this game.
It's not impossible, but Canada need something very special to get back into this one.
It's actually Argentina who make their substitution first, Molina replace Montiel.
And, finally, that Canada change. Osorio comes on for Davies.
Alphonso Davies
It's really not looking good. The Canada captain hobbled back on to the field of play but immediately went down, signalling for a substitution. That tackle with Montiel has really taken it's toll.
He'll have to come off.
Moment of concern now for Canada as Alphonso Davies goes down heavily under a challenge on the edge of the box. His foot seemed to get caught in the jumble of legs.
And a change for Canada. Jonathan David is replaced by Tani Oluwaseyi.
Changing of the Nicolases for Argentina. Tagliafico comes off, Otamendi comes on.
Steven Eustaquio
The Canadian midfielder foes into the book for that challenge.
Dogged defending from Argentina to keep a resurgent Canada at bay. De Paul spots an opening and drives forward for Argentina, before being clipped by Stephen Eustaquio in the middle of the field.
Cyle Larin does well to pinch the ball on the halfway line and bares down on the recovering Argentina defence. He tries to thread the ball through to Jonathan David but Cristian Romero does brilliantly to close the angles and block the pass.
Romero's been great for Argentina throughout this tournament.
The Argentinian contingent are really making themselves heard now, buoyed by that Messi goal.
Double change for Canada. Shaffelburg and Laryea are replaced by Ali Ahmed and Liam Millar.
Confirmation of Messi's goal
The Argentina captain was heavily involved in the build-up for that goal and gave Enzo's goal-bound shot a crucial touch that ensured the ball evaded the dive of Crepeau. Argentina have a two-goal lead, and one foot in the Copa America final.
VAR - Goal
As suspected, VAR took a look and it appears that Lionel Messi will be given the goal. The ball hit Messi on the way through and his was the final touch.
Messi's first goal of the 2024 Copa America!
GOOOOAAAAALLLLL! Enzo Fernandez
The Argentina midfielder fires the ball home from just inside the box! But did it take a deflection, offside??
This will go to VAR...
Messi's corner kick is cleared at the near post but Argentina come again with a throw-in.
Slick dummy from Lionel Messi brings De Paul running forward over the halfway line. He gets to the box and tries to cross but it's deflected out for a corner kick. Messi trots across to take it...
Canada head coach Jesse Marsch is absolute furious with that call, as he has been with a few decisions this evening. The referee has a quick word to calm him down.
Let's see if that has any effect on Marsch's mood...
Argentina win an early free kick and Messi floats it into the box. Canada clear well and look to break but Shaffelburg runs it out of play.
And we're back!
Argentina got out on time and the second half is underway...
Will Argentina be late for the kickoff?
Canada are out on the field but there's still no sign of Argentina. Remember, head coach Lionel Scaloni was hit with a one-game suspension for his team's final group stage match after failing to return his team to the field in time for the start of the second half.
We're not going to see the same again here, are we?
Alvarez follows in Messi's footsteps
Can Julian Alvarez help replace Lionel Messi's goals? Messi may be the reigning Ballon d’Or winner but, having recently turned 37, is no longer the player that he once was.
In a recent interview Messi admitted that he is unsure if he will be able to feature in the 2026 World Cup, adding that it will depend on his fitness coming into that summer. He has been able to ration his gametime since moving to MLS last summer but he was played well over 1,000 professional games already.
Messi has not yet scored in this summer's tournament but Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez have been among the goals for Argentina.
Julian Alvarez strike divides the teams
In all honestly, there wasn't a huge amount to choose between the two teams in the first half.
The only difference on the scoresheet is a 21st-minute goal from Julian Alvarez, who slotted past Crepeau after a good through-ball from Rodrigo de Paul. Argentina were not able to extend their lead and Canada remain very much still in this game.
Peeep peeeeep peeeeeeeeeep
That's all from the first half at MetLife Stadium. Argentina have the lead but Canada have impressed in the opening 45 minutes, generating some good openings for themselves.
Jonathan David nearly levels it!
The Canada striker latches onto a long thrown into the box and nearly pokes the ball home from close range. Martinez makes himself big and blocks the shot.
Di Maria twists and turns on the ball on the edge of the Canada box but can't quite make room for a cross. The ball is worked back to Messi but his chipped effort floats well over the crossbar.
We're going to have two minutes of added time in New Jersey.
So close from Lionel Messi!
Magical footwork form the Argentina captain to dart into the box and send a low, right-footed shot whistling past Crepeau's post. He's getting closer...
Montiel does brilliantly to pinch the ball off Shaffelburg and retain possession for his team. He's looked assured after shaky star.
Canada's front-foot 4-4-2 formation looks a little to ambitious now. With only two designated central midfielders it's proving difficult for them to keep hold of the ball in the middle.
Moment of confusion as Messi is felled on the edge of the Canada box but his appeals are turned down. The referee subsequently awards Canada a free kick on the halfway line. Not entirely sure why.
Argentina are definitely tightening their grip on the game now, putting together some neat passing moves in the midfield and making life difficult for Canada.
The energy levels from Canada's impressive early showing appear to have dipped.
Lionel Messi swings in the corner kick but it's headed over at the far post. Goal kick to Canada, ten to go until the halftime break.
Clever play from Lionel Messi in the middle to pause on the ball and slip a pass through to Tagliafico on the left. The fullback charges into the box but his shot is blocked.
Corner kick to Argentina..
Di Maria comes close with a chip!
Another ball over the top from Argentina and another chance.
This time it's Angel Di Maria who races onto the pass and tries an outrageous chip from a right angle on the right. It's got Crepeau beaten but drifts over the crossbar.
Jonathan David
The Canada forward is booked for a rash tackle on Cristian Romero, accidentally booting the Argentine while challenging for a ball in the air.
Argentina have the lead but they've not really created anything other than that opening goal from Alvarez. As they have for much of this tournament, Argentina have looked solid but very unspectacular.
Back to the action, Argentina look to be making a concerted effort to slow the pace of the game now. Emiliano Martinez is waiting with his foot on the ball, trying to draw the press and play around it.
They want to kill the momentum from Canada's impressive start.
How many goals has Julian Alvarez scored for Argentina?
The 24-year-old has been something of a role player during his time with the Argentinian national team, often shunted out wide or deployed a little deeper to help the team. Tonight's goal was his ninth for Argentina, coming in his 35th international cap.
This is a tough ask now for Canada, who looked the best team for the first 22 minutes of this game. Can they drag their way back into the game against the world champions?
GOOOOAAAAAAAAL! Julain Alvarez
There's the Argentinian quality! A clever ball through from De Paul and a confident touch and finish by the Man City forward.
Argentina lead!
Twenty minutes in and it's been good from Canada.
They win a goal kick and play out successfully, finding David with his back to a defender on the halfway line.
Argentina look to be a struggling a bit in these sweltering conditions, failing to bring the required intensity in their play to break through the Canadian lines. Work to be done for Scaloni if nothing changes.
Jonathan David forces opening for Canada
The Canadian forward bundles his way in behind the Argentina defence but can't quite prise a sight at goal. He tries to lay the ball off to Laryea but gets the pass gone and the chance evaporates.
Argentina are playing a lop-sided 4-4-2 with Angel Di Maria and Alexis Mac Allister on the right and left flanks, respectively It gives Scaloni's side the ability to adapt in and out of possession but they're not currently offering much threat on the left.
Maxime Crepeau comes out sharply to collect an attempted through ball from Lionel Messi. Good work from the Canadian keeper.
Positive start from Canada's Jacob Shaffelburg
He scored in the 1-1 draw with Venezuela in the quarter-final and the Canadian winger has started strongly against here. The Nashville man has already forced a half-chance for himself and will look to stretch the Argentina backline.
Close from Messi!
They haven't done much but Messi and Di Maria combine down the right flank and make space for a shot. Messi looks to whip a left-footed effort into the near corner but it's a good yard wide of the post.
Ten minutes in and Canada will be the happier of the two teams. Positive start from Jesse Marsch's men.
Argentina haven't managed to put much pressure on the Canadian defence while building out from the back, but that could be due to the tough conditions in New Jersey this evening. The temperature is into the 90s and the humidity is high.
More good work from Jacob Shaffelburg, running off the Argentina backline and making space for a shot on the left of the box. His effort is dragged wide of the goal but it's a positive start from the MLS man.
Canada starting to enjoy a bit of the ball now, growing in confidence on this big stage.
Johnston wins a free kick on the halfway line but clips it aimlessly forward and into the arms of Martinez.
Shaffelburg's set piece is overhit and De Paul is there to pick it up at the back post. Argentina regain possession.
Positive stuff from Layrea on the right flank for Canada, driving at defenders and winning his side a corner kick. Shaffelberg to take it...
Already the Argentinian voices are making themselves heard.
'Ohhh Argentina' rolls around the stadium.
It looks like Canada are starting with a 4-4-2 formation, Jonathan David and Cyle Larin functioning as an old school striking duo up front. Interesting to see if they can upset Argentina's attempts to build out from the back.
And we're underway!
Canada get things started in this semi-final.
We're ready for the off!
Both sets of players are lined up for kickoff in this Copa America semi-final clash. The stands are packed and we're ready to get started...
We're just minutes from kickoff now, the atmosphere is really building in New Jersey. Just before the action gets underway, here's a look at today's referee Piero Maza.
The players are out!
Argentina and Canada enter the field at MetLife Stadium to a rapturous reception. It's a sell-out crowd in New Jersey, the stands are packed to see which of these teams will book their place in the final of the Copa America this weekend.
What is Argentina's Independence Day?
Argentina will take on Canada tonight on July 9, a date that has real significance for the nation. On June 9, 1816 officials completed the signing of the Argentine Declaration of Independence in the house of Francisca Bazán de Laguna.
This enshrined Argentina's independence from the Spanish monarchy and is considered the birth of modern Argentina. Can this talented squad bring more Argentinian joy on June 9?
Closer look at Argentina - Canada squads
The folks at TransferRoom have put together this combined XI of Argentina and Canada, based purely on the players with the highest market value. This means that there's no place for 37-year-old Lionel Messi, who's valued at just $30 million currently.
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez is ranked as the most valuable player across both teams, with an expected transfer value of $120 million.
How is Lionel Messi's injury concern?
The Argentinian captain was forced to miss his side's final group stage game as he recovered from a minor knock sustained in the previous win over Chile. Messi complained of a pain in his right thigh after the game and Argentina, already qualified by that point, were able to rest him in preparation for the knockout stages.
“It’s an easy decision for me,” Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni explained earlier this week. “It’s a fairly honest decision: I ask him how he feels. If he says ‘I’m not good,’ then he will play the last 30 minutes. When he’s available, he will play.”
Argentina boss compares Copa America to Euros
“I don’t think it’s more difficult from one competition to another... There are some important teams that have advanced to the semi-finals of the Euros, teams that we faced in the World Cup and it went well for us. But that doesn’t mean that we could go to the European Championship and win it.”
“I think the level is very even. And, I would like a European team to one day be invited to a Copa América to see what it is like to play in a Copa America and the opposite, as well."
And here's the Canada starting XI
There's just one change made by Canada head coach Jesse Marsch, with Ismael Kone coming in to replace Jonathan Osorio in the team. Quarter-final goalscorer Jacob Shaffelburg will be hoping for a repeat of those heroics.
Argentina team news!
Here it is! As expected, Julian Alvarez and Angel Di Maria join Lionel Messi in attack.
There's no place in the starting XI for Lautaro Martinez, the top scorer of the 2024 Copa America so far.
Argentina predicted team news
Here's how we think Argentina will line up this evening...
Martínez - Montiel, Romero, Lisandro, Tagliafico - De Paul, Enzo, Mac Allister - Messi, Álvarez, Di María
We'll have confirmed team news for you very shortly...
In fact, are you wondering why Argentina and Canada are meeting again at this stage after being drawn in the same group? Organisers often ensure that group stage opponents are kept apart until the final but that's not been the case in this tournament.
Calm before the storm at MetLife Stadium
We're just over an hour away from kickoff at MetLife Stadium and the tension is rising ahead of this Copa America semi-final. Argentina beat Canada in the opening game of the tournament but Jesse Marsch's side made it difficult for them and have shown their talents since then.
A stunning victory over Venezuela in the quarter-final ensured Canada progress to the final four for the first time in a major tournament. They will be desperate to extend their stay for a few days longer.
La Albiceleste are just 90 minutes away from another final. / JUAN MABROMATA / AFP
Incredible record of Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni
Lionel Scaloni had precious little coaching experience when, in the dark days of 2018, he was named interim head coach of the Argentina national team. Despite being derided by Argentina legend Diego Maradona as “unqualified”, Scaloni led the team to a third-place finish in the 2019 Copa America, before his tenure really got going to years later.
His team clinched the 2021 Copa America, beating Brazil in the final and bringing Argentina’s first international trophy in 28 years. They went on to lift the World Cup 18 months later, capping an incredible start to life in management. But Scaloni knows that all that success is now in the past.
"We are talking about things that have already passed. (Winning the World Cup and the Copa America) was very nice but it's over… Football matches are all different, there are no easier games than others. A lot of things can happen. The difficulty of France, Brazil or Canada can be the same."
We're into the semi-final stage now, with just four teams remaining in the hunt for the Copa America crown. Tonight's Argentina - Canada clash will be followed by Colombia - Uruguay tomorrow.
Here's everything you need to know...
What time is Argentina - Canada?
Wherever you are in the world, here's the kickoff times as Argentina prepare to face Canada in the semi-final of the 2024 Copa America. It's a massive moment for both nations and we'll have full live coverage right here.
We're still awaiting official team news from MetLife Stadium but Lionel Scaloni has made one thing clear this week, the importance of Lionel Messi to his plans. Here's what he had to say about the Argentina captain...
The name on everyone's lips
Lionel Messi will be desperate to add another international triumph with the Argentina national team and boasts a staggering record in this tournament. During his five previous Copa Americas Messi has scored 13 goals, enough to leave him just four away from Brazil’s Zizinho and Leo’s compatriot Norberto Méndez at the top of the all-time rankings.
With just two games remaining he's unlikely to hit that record, but you wouldn't rule it out...
Argentina - Canada: Live updates
Hello and welcome to AS USA, where we'll be bringing you all the action as Argentina and Canada go head-to-head for a place in the final of the 2024 Copa America.
Argentina are looking to secure a third consecutive major tournament final. For Canada, this is a chance to write their names into the history books.
Away we go!