Lionel Messi scored his 109th international goal, leading Argentina to a 2-0 victory over Canada on Tuesday night, securing a spot in the Copa America final.
Julián Álvarez opened the scoring for Argentina in the 22nd minute, and Messi added the second goal in the 51st minute, redirecting a shot from Enzo Fernández past Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau. This marked Messi’s first goal of the tournament and his 28th goal in his last 25 matches for Argentina. He now has 14 goals in Copa America play, three shy of the record.
Messi, who turned 37 on June 24, is second only to Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo in international goals. Ronaldo has 130 goals, while Iran’s Al Daei had 108 or 109, depending on a disputed goal against Ecuador in 2000.
With this victory on its independence day, Argentina extended its unbeaten streak to 10 games. The Albiceleste are aiming for a record 16th Copa America title and will face either Uruguay or Colombia in the final on Sunday in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Argentina is attempting to win consecutive Copa Americas and add to their 2022 World Cup championship, seeking to match Spain’s achievement of winning the 2008 and 2012 European Championships along with the 2010 World Cup.
Argentina fans filled Times Square and the streets of Manhattan before heading to MetLife Stadium, the site of the 2026 World Cup final. The crowd of 80,102 on a night with 82-degree temperature and 82% humidity was predominantly pro-Argentina, with only a few sections of Canadian supporters.
This match was one of the biggest in Canadian soccer history. Canada, which went 0-6 in its World Cup appearances in 1986 and 2022, won its only major title at the 2000 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Argentina had previously defeated Canada 2-0 in the tournament opener on June 20.
Canada’s Alphonso Davies limped off after his right leg was caught in a challenge with Gonzalo Montiel, leading to his substitution in the 71st minute.
Messi, making his 38th Copa America appearance, had missed Argentina’s group stage finale with a leg injury and was subdued while playing 90 minutes in the quarterfinal win over Ecuador.
In the match, Messi was just wide from the top of the penalty area in the 12th minute after exchanging passes with Ángel Di María, missed again in the 44th minute, and put a chip over the crossbar in first-half injury time.
The temporary grass surface at MetLife Stadium appeared heavy, with water splashing and sand popping up during dribbles.
Argentina’s first goal came from a long pass by Rodrigo De Paul to Álvarez, who controlled the ball, created space, and slipped it between Crépeau’s legs for his ninth goal in 35 international appearances.
Messi’s goal followed a throw-in where he centered the ball to De Paul, who cut the ball back from the end line. Koné’s attempted clearance went to Fernández, whose shot was redirected by Messi from just inside the 6-yard box.
In first-half stoppage time, Jonathan David was thwarted by Emiliano Martínez from close range. Martínez also made a kick save on Tani Oluwaseyi in the 80th minute.
