July 10 – Goals from Julian Alvarez and Lionel Messi gave Argentina a 2-0 win over Canada and booked a place in the Copa America final as they continue their run to major tournament title fights.
“It’s insane what this team has done, what the Argentina national team is doing,” Messi said after his 109th international goal sealed victory over a brave Canada that had defied the odds by getting so far.
“For those who remain from the old guard, it’s beyond impressive that the national team is in another final.”
Only Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo with 130 has more international goals than Messi, who turned 37 on June 24. Iran’s Ali Daei had 108 or 109 from 1993 to 2006, with a lingering dispute over whether a goal against Ecuador in 2000 occurred in a full international match.
With a victory on their independance day, Argentina extended their unbeaten streak to 10 games. The Albiceleste seek a record 16th Copa title when they play Uruguay or Colombia on Sunday at Miami Gardens, Florida.
“We have to enjoy every moment of what we are living,” Messi, who now plays in the MLS and had missed Argentina’s group stage finale through injury, added. “I’m conscious that these are the last battles.”
It was among the biggest ever games for Canada who competed at the 2022 World Cup, losing all three games, won its only major title at the 2000 CONCACAF Gold Cup and were keen to make a mark as one of the 2026 World Cup host nations.
“The tournament caught up with us a little bit,” said Canada coach Jesse Marsch. “There’s been heat, there’s been travel, there’s been a lot of challenges. …
“We’re still at the beginnings of our process, right? Argentina’s maybe had eight years together, seven years together with this team, and so we need to develop more players that can contribute so that we can also rotate in tournament play, because eventually the physicality and the fatigue can catch up with you.”
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