Watch: Messi helps lift Argentina to Copa final

Argentina striker Lionel Messi. Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Lionel Messi scores his first goal of Copa America 2024, Argentina advances to final

By Austen Bundy | Last updated 7/10/24

It took Lionel Messi until his fifth match at Copa America 2024 to score his first goal of the tournament.

The 2022 World Cup champion got a last-second flick on a ball shot by teammate Enzo Fernandez in the 51st minute to put Argentina up 2-0 over Canada in their semifinal match.

THERE IT IS FOR MESSI

After review the goal is confirmed and Argentina takes a 2-0 lead pic.twitter.com/WBFJnQTtiX
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 10, 2024

While not a typical Messi golazo, it was a significant moment for Argentina, putting a fatal stranglehold on a Canadian side that was giving it fits throughout.

In the first half, striker Julian Alvarez put his country on top early with a 22nd-minute strike past Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau.

JULIÁN ÁLVAREZ GIVES ARGENTINA THE LEAD pic.twitter.com/HbC85K2vLg
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 10, 2024

Argentina's victory sends it to the Copa America final on Sunday where it will attempt to secure a record 16th title against either Uruguay or Colombia.

Canada will play in the consolation final in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Saturday against the loser of the other semifinal.

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