Football sensation, Lionel Messi was on target for his home country, Argentina, as they beat Canada to qualify for their second Copa América final in a row, disappointing rapper Drake who had bet $300k on his home country to emerge victorious against Argentina.
It was Messi’s first goal during this summer’s Copa America tournament. Now, they have a chance to win the tournament consecutively.
“It’s crazy what this group did, what the Argentine National Team has been doing,” Messi said after the game.
“After this, much more importance will be given to all the finals that I and all of the old group had to play in.”
Julian Alvarez put the World Cup champions ahead in the first half before Messi made it two early in the second half, and away from the reach of the Canadians.
Argentina will play in the Copa America final on Sunday in Miami – awaiting Colombia and Uruguay to play Wednesday’s semifinal.
If they win, it would be the fourth major international championship in a four-year span, including the 2022 Finalissima win over 2021 Euro champion Italy.
Messi was goalless through Argentina’s five Copa America matches, and missing one on June 29 to nurse a right groin/adductor injury he has since returned from in the last two matches.
Argentina beat Canada in the opener, along with Chile and Peru in the group stage. They also came back from Messi’s miss in a penalty shootout to beat Ecuador in the quarterfinal, before beating Canada again in the semis.
