Argentina booked a spot in the 2024 Copa América final after a 2-0 victory over Canada on Wednesday morning.
It was a slow, methodical start to this clash, which naturally summed up the tense atmosphere at MetLife Stadium.
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Argentina, as usual, toyed with the ball, but the Canadians proved well up for the challenge and threatened three times in the opening 20 minutes. Breakout star Jacob Shaffelburg scuffed the two best attempts wide of the net.
It took one mistake for the brilliance of the reigning champions to shine through. Canada’s centre-backs were too far apart, and a brilliant ball from Rodrigo De Paul found Julian Alvarez, who slipped it under Maxime Crepeau.
Still searching for his first goal at the tournament, Lionel Messi was lively but ultimately missed the target. Canada, meanwhile, still failed to execute all their attacks.
Yet only six minutes into the second half, the Inter Miami finally found the back of the net. Messi was in the right place at the right time to smartly flick the ball beyond a diving Crepeau for 2-0.
Canada continued tending with the ball in midfield, but challenges fell the way of Argentina. The World Cup holders again displayed why they are number one in the world and proved experience on the big stage is vital to seeing games out.
Things turned worse for the CONCACAF representatives when captain Alphonso Davies was forced off with an ankle injury after getting tangled with Gonzalo Montiel.
A 2-0 scoreline is known to be the most dangerous in football, but nothing from Canada’s substitutes could break down Argentina. The holders will now face Colombia or Uruguay for a second consecutive title.
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