'It's the same as Ronaldo with zero goals? It's a counter-argument!'...'Messi net goal + POTM' Argentina defeated Canada 2-0 in the Copa semifinals → Third consecutive finals at major tournaments

Jul 10, 2024

Lionel Messi and Argentina are all set for their third consecutive major championship challenge. Argentina won 2-0 in the semifinals of the 2024 Copa America against Canada at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on the 10th (Korea time). Argentina, which won this match, will face the team that won the semifinal match between Uruguay and Colombia in the final on the 15th for the Copa America Trophy. Argentina won the Copa America in 2021 and the Qatar World Cup in 2022, and this Copa America will also reach the final, allowing it to try to win its third consecutive major tournament.

Messi also led Argentina to the finals with a decisive goal. AFP Yonhap News

Lionel Messi and Argentina have made all the preparations for their third consecutive major championship.

Argentina won 2-0 in the semifinals of the 2024 Copa America against Canada at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on the 10th (Korea time).

Argentina, which won this match, will face the team that won the semifinal match between Uruguay and Colombia in the final on the 15th for the Copa America Trophy. Argentina won the Copa America in 2021 and the Qatar World Cup in 2022, and this Copa America will also reach the final, allowing it to try to win its third consecutive major tournament.

Argentina once again formed a starting lineup centered on Messi, who returned from injury in the quarterfinals. Messi and Julián Álvarez were on the front line, while Angel Di Maria, Rodrigo DePaul, Enso Fernandez and Alexis McAllister were on the midfield. Gonzalo Montiel, Christian Romero, Lisandro Martinez and Nicolas Tagliafico came forward. The goal was defended by Emiliano Martinez.

Canada, led by head coach Jesse March, also faced off with the best lineup. Jonathan David and Kyle Larin are in the two-top, and the midfielders are Jacob Schappelberg, Stefan Eustachio, Ismael Kone and Richie La Leia. The four backs were made up by Alfonso Davis, Derek Cornelius, Mois Bombito and Alistair Johnston. The goalkeeper's gloves were worn by Maxim Crepeau.

Argentina led the attack from the beginning. In the 11th minute of the first half, Argentina's shot that Messi attempted after receiving a pass from Dimaria went to the side of the net.

The first goal was also scored in time. In the 23rd minute of the first half, DePaul delivered an accurate long pass to Alvarez, who penetrated into the back space of Canada's defense. Alvarez, who caught the ball, quickly broke through the opponent's defense and entered the penalty box, and shook the net with an accurate shot in a one-on-one situation with the goalkeeper.

Messi's shot turned away from the goal. After Messi received Di Maria's pass in the 43rd minute of the first half, he attempted to shoot past two defenders in the penalty box. The right footed shot went straight to the goal. Messi's shot in front of the penalty box arc also rose above the net in the extra time of the first half.

After the first loss, Canada also began to work on a heated attack, but it was not easy to break through Argentina's solid defense. Martinez also blocked the attack in front of the gate in the extra time of the first half. The first half ended with Argentina's 1-0 lead.

Argentina also shook the net first in the second half. In the 7th minute of the second half, Messi, who was in front of the gate, slightly changed the direction of Fernandez's shot in front of the penalty box arc and cut the goal. Since then, it has been judged offside, but Argentina has widened the gap as Messi's perfect score has been confirmed.

Argentina continued to lead the attack. In the 15th minute of the second half, the attack, which began with DePaul's pass, connected to DiMaria, who delivered a long pass to Álvarez, who was rushing to the center. Álvarez grabbed the ball and entered the box and finished with a shot, but was unfortunately blocked.

Canada even suffered an injury. In the 26th minute of the second half, captain Davis collapsed complaining of pain in Montiel's tackle. Davis, who was later treated by medical staff, returned to the ground, but was forced to be replaced while slumping again.

Martinez stopped Canada's pursuit. In the 44th minute of the second half, when Argentina's defense collapsed, Oluwasei blocked a shot from the front of the box with his foot and caught it to overcome the crisis. In the 45th minute of the second half, Oluwasei hit a cross to his head in front of the gate in the ensuing attack, but the ball missed the goal.

In the end, the match ended with Argentina's 2-0 victory.

Messi played an active role by scoring one goal in the game, creating two chances, and one cross success. There were some difficulties in the competition, but the pass, sharp movement, and shooting stood out in the attack. He was named the best player (POTM) after the game.

Meanwhile, Messi was also compared to Cristiano Ronaldo's Euro 2024 performance ahead of the match. Ronaldo was criticized for Ronaldo after the Portuguese national team was eliminated from Euro 2024 along with the recent slump.

Manchester United legend and Ronaldo's former teammate Rio Ferdinand responded, "It's disrespectful that he has to leave the national team. I can't say that considering what he's done. What did Ronaldo do for Portugal? Messi also failed to score a goal for Copa America. But there was no criticismMessi was also sluggish, but unlike Ronaldo, he avoided criticism.

However, as Messi contributed to Argentina's advance to the finals with a net goal against Canada, all those who defended Ronaldo could not open their mouths. Moreover, if Messi plays an active role in the final and leads Argentina to the championship, the joys and sorrows of the two players, Messi and Ronaldo, are expected to be greatly mixed.

digh1229@sportschosun.com