In a crucial match of the Copa América semifinals, Argentina faced off against Canada. Messi returned to form, scoring a key goal to help his team advance to the finals.
Argentine sports outlet TYC Sports pointed out that, compared to his lackluster performance against Ecuador, Messi exhibited a more proactive approach in this game. He successfully overcame previous muscle injuries, scoring his first goal in this Copa América, securing Argentina’s ticket to the final.
In the match against Chile, Messi unfortunately suffered a muscle injury, causing him to miss the game against Peru and struggle against Ecuador. However, in this vital semifinal, Messi regained his form and showed no signs of injury. Just six minutes into the second half, he capitalized on an opportunity, sending the ball into the back of the net after Enzo Fernández’s shot deflected off a defender, helping Argentina take a 2-0 lead.
While the Argentine players initially celebrated the goal enthusiastically, VAR intervened, prompting the referee to review the footage to confirm Messi’s position at the time of Enzo’s shot. This review raised concern among the Argentine bench. Players huddled around the screen, anxiously watching the replay, awaiting the verdict.
Ultimately, Messi’s goal was validated. This marked his goal in six consecutive Copa América tournaments (2007, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2021, 2024), making him the first player in the tournament’s 67-year history to achieve this feat. The last player to accomplish this was Brazil’s Zizinho in the 1940s and 1950s.
Messi’s goal not only signaled his return to form but also redeemed his disappointing performance against Ecuador. In that match, he clearly had not fully recovered and even missed the first penalty in the shootout. However, against Canada, Messi exhibited excellent form from the start, almost breaking through the opposition’s defense as early as the 11th minute.
In the closing stages of the second half, Messi and teammate Di Maria orchestrated a stunning play. Messi’s low shot towards the bottom right corner nearly extended the lead, demonstrating his outstanding athleticism and unwavering hunger for victory. Messi’s brilliant performance undoubtedly injected further confidence into Argentina’s pursuit of the Copa América title.
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