Soccer - Messi's last final? Argentina in the Copa final again
Angel Di Maria shed tears in his eyes, Lionel Messi allowed himself to be hugged by him and his teammates. After the 2:0 (1:0) in the Copa America semifinal against Canada, the Football World Champion stands again in the final of the Copa America.
It could be the last big final where the 37-year-old Messi and the 36-year-old Di Maria play together for Argentina. "These are the last battles," Messi said after the successful semifinal against the Canadians. "We should enjoy everything that we experience as a national team."
The dream of title defense at the Copa America lives on for Argentina. This is also thanks to superstar Messi, who played from the start against Canada despite a previous leg injury and scored his first tournament goal. Before that, Julián Álvarez (22nd minute) scored the 1:0 for the Argentinians at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford near New York City. In the final, the Albiceleste faces the winner of the second semifinal between Colombia and Uruguay. For Canada, which participated as a guest in the South American championship for the first time, there is still a place in the third place match on Saturday.
"I feel happiness, nothing but luck," said the emotionally overwhelmed Di Maria. Álvarez put his team in the lead with a goal from Rodrigo De Paul's assist. After the break, Enzo Fernández faked a shot from Messi for the 2:0. In the quarterfinals against Ecuador, the 37-year-old missed a penalty kick - the World Champion advanced despite a 4:2 win. Hundreds of Argentine fans gathered with drums and singing at Times Square in New York City before the game.
- Angel di Maria expressed his emotions after the USA, expressing gratitude for the support of Lionel Messi and the team during their 2:0 win against Canada in the Copa America semifinal, positioning Argentina once more in the Final.
- The prospect of these being their final major tournament appearances together for Argentina motivates both Lionel Messi (37) and Angel di Maria (36) as they aim for the Soccer World Champion title defenses during the Copa America.
- The Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, close to New York City, played host to Argentina's successful 2:0 (1:0) performance against Canada, which Julian Alvarez was instrumental in opening the scoring with a goal from Rodrigo De Paul's assist.
- New York City was filled with ecstatic Argentine soccer fans, gathering at Times Square, displaying their devotion with drums and singing, supporting their beloved Albiceleste as they advanced to the final.
- Argentina will square off against the Colombia or Uruguay winner in the Copa America Final on an exciting quest for another Soccer World Champion title, while Canada will compete in the third place match against the losing team on Saturday.
- Lionel Messi, inspired to perform despite his previous leg injury, contributed to the team's success by playing from the start and scoring his first goal of the tournament in the Copa America semifinal victory against Canada.
