Six minutes into the second half, the 37-year-old doubled Argentina’s lead by deflecting an effort from Chelsea player Enzo Fernandez past Canada goalie Maxime Crepeau. Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez gave the World Cup holders the lead after latching on to a cross from Atletico Madrid’s Rodrigo de Paul and scoring from close range.
Argentina, the 15-time Copa America champions, is in the final for the sixth time in eight editions. Angel di Maria’s final appearance for Argentina, against either Uruguay or Colombia, will be his last before retiring from international football, and Messi’s long-term future is uncertain. Jacob Shaffelburg, an attacker for MLS club Nashville, wasted Canada’s best chances in the first half against Argentina. Alvarez’s goal knocked Canada, ranked 48th in the world, off their stride, and Argentina took control of the game.
Yet Another Finals for Argentina in a row, after FIFA
Lille striker Jonathan David had Canada’s greatest opportunity in first-half stoppage time, latching onto a long throw and firing straight at Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. Despite the defeat, Canada exceeded expectations in their first Copa America appearance.
Jesse Marsch’s team, co-hosts of the 2026 World Cup alongside Mexico and the United States, will face the losers of the other semi-final in a third-place playoff on Sunday. “What I told the team afterwards is I understand that they’re very disappointed, but I’m extremely proud of them,” Marsch recalled. “We’ve put up some great performances, just starting our process.” Marsch also emphasized the importance of Canada finding a way to “expand” their “player pool” in the years ahead. The semi-final between Uruguay and Colombia will take place on Thursday.
