Argentina 2-0 Canada: Albiceleste player ratings as Lionel Messi fires team to Copa America final
Lionel Messi's Argentina secured a 2-0 win over Canada on Tuesday (July 9) to book their place in the Copa America 2024 final, to be played at The Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday (July 14). La Albiceleste dispatched their North American opponents for the second time in the ongoing edition after beating them 2-0 on the opening day (June 20) as well.
Julian Alvarez and Lionel Messi scored the two goals of the game, allowing the 2022 World Cup winners to ease into the final. Canada gave a good overall account of themselves at Copa America and will head home with their heads held high after reaching the semi-finals for the first time.
Argentina player ratings
Emiliano Martinez - 8/10
Martinez was relatively unbothered in the game against Canada. The Aston Villa keeper made two saves and completed 87 percent of his passes (39/45) to wrap up a fine performance. He is first in the Copa America rankings for clean sheets with four.
Gonzalo Montiel - 7.5/10
Montiel had a fine performance for the World Cup winners before his withdrawal in the 71st minute. He completed 88 percent of his passes (28/32) and won a third of his tackles before being replaced by Nahuel Molina.
Cristian Romero - 8/10
The Tottenham Hotspur defender had a fine game for Argentina at Copa America. He won all his duels (five) and half of his tackles (1/2) while maintaining 91 percent pass accuracy (72/79). His efforts were vital in securing the clean sheet.
Lisandro Martinez - 8/10
The Manchester United defender looked good alongside Romero again, completing 91 percent of his passes (64/70) and helping the Albiceleste keep the ball ticking throughout the game.
Nicolas Tagliafico - 7/10
The fullback was effective for Argentina before his withdrawal in the 64th minute for Nicolas Otamendi.
Rodrigo De Paul - 8.5/10
The Atletico Madrid midfielder had another fine game for his country today. He provided the assist for the opening goal and looked effective throughout the match.
Alexis McAllister - 8/10
The Liverpool midfielder was impressive again for the finalists, he completed 88 percent of his passes (15/17) before his substitution in the 78th minute for Exequiel Palacios.
Enzo Fernandez - 8.5/10
The Chelsea midfielder was a metronome for his country in the middle of the park. He completed 90 percent of his passes (57/63) and bagged an assist while taking a shot. His performance helped secure the victory for Argentina.
Angel Di Maria - 7.5/10
The Benfica forward was impressive in the game despite not being much of a threat to the Canadian defense. He completed 75 percent of his passes (18/24) before being taken off in the 78th minute for Nicolas Gonzalez.
Julian Alvarez - 8.5/10
The Manchester City striker was a live wire in the match, taking two shots on goal, with one finding the back of the net. He completed 80 percent of his passes (8/10) before being replaced with Lautaro Martinez in the 78th minute.
Lionel Messi - 8/10
The legendary forward was not at his best but managed to end his goal drought at Copa America in the game through fortunate circumstances. His Last Dance continues and he hopes to be more effective in the final than his 79 percent pass accuracy (23/29) and 25 percent shot accuracy (1/4) suggested today.
Argentina Substitutes
Nicolas Otamendi - 7.5/10
The Benfica defender came on for Nicolas Tagliafico in the 64th minute and shored up the defense to ensure the Copa America holders kept a clean sheet.
Nauhel Molina - 6.5/10
The Atletico Madrid defender came on with just under 20 minutes of regular time to play and while unspectacular, managed to pick up Argentina's only booking in the Copa America semi-final clash.
Exequiel Palacios - NA
The Bayer Leverkusen midfielder came on late for Alexis Mac Allister and saw out the game without making a difference.
Lautaro Martinez - NA
The Copa America's top goal scorer came in with 12 minutes to go and could not add to his tally in the competition.
Nicolas Gonzales - NA
The midfielder came on in the 78th minute for Angel di Maria to see out the game, but did not have enough time to impact the proceedings.