Lionel Messi Breaks Goal Drought As Argentina National Football Team Reaches Copa America 2024 Final

Defending champions Argentina defeated Canada 2-0 in the Copa America semi-final at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Tuesday, securing their second consecutive final. Lionel Messi scored his 109th international goal and first of the tournament. At least football fans got one of the finalists they wanted. A Brazil-Argentina re-match would have been ideal despite Brazil's recent struggles. Unfortunately, last week, the Brazil national football team was eliminated from the competition. The expected favourites, the Argentina national football team, advanced with a win against Canada. The Copa America needs Lionel Messi and Argentina in the final. The La Albiceleste will face a formidable opponent in the winner of the Uruguay vs Colombia semi-final match, but they are likely to win, which would be an exciting finish for the continental tournament.

Lionel Messi shines as Argentina reach Copa America 2024 Final

Lionel Messi proved his value to Argentina, as his goal led the club to the Copa America 2024 final. The Argentine has faced considerable criticism during his goalless run in the Copa America, and with good reason, as his performance has fallen far short of his usual standards in his nation's colours. They defeated Canada 2-0 in the Copa semi-finals at MetLife Stadium and advanced to Sunday's final, where they will face the winner of the Colombia-Uruguay match. La Albiceleste dominated for most of the game. Julian Alvarez has possibly secured a permanent place in the starting lineup for Man City, as the forward has finally hit top form at the right moment. 

Meanwhile, Messi returned to his usual level of performance. Despite his age, Lionel Messi remains crucial to the success of the Argentina national football team. Canada demonstrated improved attacking prowess under Jesse Marsch. Alphonso Davies caused problems but had to leave the game due to an injury, and Canada's hopes ended with his late substitution. Ultimately, the team lacked the clinical nature of the reigning champions, and Argentina stood taller. Under Lionel Scaloni's leadership, the La Albiceleste has reached three straight tournament finals.

Lionel Messi scores his first goal of the tournament

It has been a less-than-perfect tournament for the Argentine legend in the United States. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has not been at his best for weeks, struggling to score and appearing more casual than usual. The GOAT didn't seem in top form and may have missed several chances to shine for the Argentina national football team. Of course, everything changed because this is Lionel Messi, and Messi always does magical things. His goal may not have been that magical, as he rolled the ball in from two yards out after a deflected shot.

Talking about the latest Football news, Messi's overall impact on the Copa America 2024 semi-final was crucial. He found space, caused problems with his movement, and made precise passes. Canada refused to man-mark the Argentine and suffered the consequences. Too often, multiple defenders moved towards him, leaving gaps elsewhere. This was exactly like a typical late-career Messi performance, where he had limited possession but capitalized on his opportunities. Another international trophy could be on the horizon.

Bienvenido, maestro, lo estábamos esperando 👑 pic.twitter.com/nXRWAWX7Yg

— CONMEBOL Copa América™️ (@CopaAmerica) July 10, 2024

Lionel Messi becomes the all-time second-highest international goalscorer

Lionel Messi surpassed Ali Daei of Iran to become the second-highest international goalscorer in history after scoring in Argentina's semi-final match against Canada on Tuesday in the Copa America 2024 at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Before the game, Lionel Messi was tied with Ali Daei as the second-highest active international goalscorer with 108 goals. Following his goal against Canada, Messi's international goal tally now stands at 109. Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 130 goals for his country, while Messi's strike against Canada was his 14th goal in Copa America.

Top 10 International Goal Scorers In Football

What's Next for Lionel Messi and Argentina?

Argentina will play the Copa America 2024 final on July 14 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami against the winner of the Colombia-Uruguay match. Canada will play at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on July 13 against the loser of the Colombia-Uruguay match.

Lineups and match result

Argentina: Emiliano Martínez; Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister; Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez, Ángel Di María.

Substitutions used: Nicolás Otamendi, Nahuel Molina, Nicolás González, Lautaro Martínez, Exequiel Palacios,

Cards: Nahuel Molina (yellow)

Coach: Lionel Scaloni

Canada: Maxime Crépeau; Alistair Johnston , Moise Bombito , Derek Cornelius , Alphonso Davies ; Ismael Koné, Stephen Eustaquio, Jacob Shaffelburg ; Jonathan David, Richie Laryea, Cyle Larin.

Substitutions used: Ali Ahmed, Liam Millar, Jonathan Osorio, Mathieu Choinière, Tani Oluwaseyi.

Cards: Jonathan David (yellow), Stephen Eustaquio (yellow)

Coach: Jesse Marsch

Goals: First Half: 22’ Julián Álvarez (Argentina). Second Half: 50', Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Superior Player of the Match: Lionel Messi (Argentina)