No. 1 Argentina knock out No. 48 Canada to advance to Copa América final

The GIST: Much like the Euro, one half of the Copa América final is set after No. 1 Argentina’s 2–0 win over No. 48 Canada last night. Let’s dive into the deets before the second semi kicks off tonight.

Lionel Messi ends Canada’s Cinderella run: Recently struggling Messi found his stride last night, scoring his first goal of the tourney and rising to second on the all-time men’s international goal-scoring list while sending the defending champs to the Copa final for the 30th time.

• As for CanMNT, their Copa debut ended in frustration — they accumulated 14 fouls and four yellow cards amid some questionable refereeing. Outside forces aside, the Canadians were outplayed by the Argentinians, registering only two shots on goal.

• That said, the red and white’s tourney run is still celebration-worthy. Canada went from an early 2022 FIFA men’s World Cup exit to the Copa semis under the leadership of new head coach Jesse Marsch. The future sure looks bright.

Up next — No. 14 Uruguay vs. No. 12 Colombia: Defensive-minded Uruguay meets offensive powerhouse Colombia tonight at 8 p.m. ET. Uruguay has allowed just one goal the entire tourney, while Colombia leads all teams in scoring with 11, including five in the quarter-final alone.

• Two players to watch? Uruguayan defender José Giménez and Colombian midfielder James Rodriguez. Giménez has been the key to Uruguay’s lock down D, while resurgent Rodriguez is reminding fans he’s still Colombia’s best playmaker, notching five assists throughout the tourney.