3️⃣ things learned as Argentina show Canada experience is everything

An expert performance saw Argentina book a spot in the Copa América final after a 2-0 win over Canada.

Here is what we made of the action.

Big players deliver on the big stage

Argentina are a squad littered with talent. Fortunately for manager Lionel Scaloni, even on a day when they might not have looked their sharpest, the big names know how to deliver on the big stage.

Despite having just three shots on target against debutants Canada, goals from Julian Alvarez and Lionel Messi were enough to see the World Cup holders cruise on. These two names, in particular, prove time and time again that they can put the team on their backs for the club and country.

Alvarez’s awareness and close-control skills led to a slick opener. The Manchester City ace is the second Argentina player to score in both a World Cup semi-final and a Copa America semi-final, alongside Lionel Messi.

Meanwhile, even if he had to wait longer than expected for his first goal to arrive, Messi’s little flick was an insight into his mastermind. He is now the second player to score in six Copa América tournaments alongside Zizinho (Brazil).

Experience and confidence are the two ingredients needed to reach the finals of major competitions, and Argentina have them.

Canada humbled yet again

Reaching the Copa América semi-finals in their tournament debut was a historic achievement. You can’t take that away from Jesse Marsch’s Canada. Yet, as we’ve seen in the past, their ultimate demise was their inability to perform professionally.

After the initial 20 minutes, it appeared Canada could have a chance. They were wide-eyed and energetic, with breakout star Jacob Shaffelburg notably offering plenty on the left wing. But as his eyes dreamed of glory, he hurried his chances instead of opting for the smarter move.

Cyle Larin and Jonathan David—usually the national team’s go-to scorers—will also be questioned. Both were sluggish in the box and struggled to anticipate plays, resulting in those gleaming chances going wasted and simple passes misplaced.

That lack of experience was also on display within Canada’s backline. Incorrect positioning awarded Argentina the space they needed to manipulate the game. Canada were punished for being naive, something that notably happened during the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

Goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau admitted after the match if Canada wants to be ready for 2026, they must dig deeper. This storyline has haunted them on the international stage, even with every step forward they take.

What Jesse Marsch has done in less than 10 games has been memorable. The question is, can he help Canada shake their nerves when it matters the most?

Holders move one step closer to more history

Up next for Messi and company is another chance to cement themselves in the football history books.

They entered the competition with a target on their back as Copa América holders, and anything other than reaching the final would have been a failure.

Now they’ve done it: a perfect nine points and zero goals conceded in the group stage, nerves of steel to win the penalty shootout over Ecuador, and an expert performance in the semi-final. The current Golden Boot leader is also eyeing individual glory.

After losing three international finals in a row, Argentina have a chance to now win three major tournaments in a row. To do so, they need to beat either Colombia or Uruguay. Buckle up!