Argentina vs Canada Preview

Current Copa America holders Argentina will kick off the first game of the semi-final against tournament debutants Canada in CONMEBOL Copa América on Tuesday evening at MetLife Stadium.

Tonight we know our first FINALIST 🌟 pic.twitter.com/bIcK1xi8z4

— CONMEBOL Copa América™️ ENG (@copaamerica_ENG) July 9, 2024

Both prevailed to the semis through penalties from the previous stage, Argentina won on 4-2 in the shootout against Ecuador after 1-1 at the end of extra time.

As for Canada won their penalties 4-3 and knocked out Venezuela.

The tournament still has not seen the best of Argentine great, Lionel Messi, although he has created the third most chances in the tournament including one assist in the last meeting against Canada he is yet to score.

Canada would be delighted on the progress of reaching their first semis from their first attempt under newly appointed Jesse Marsch and being the only CONCACAF team left in the tournament.

Jesse Marsch has been in charge of Canada for a total of 6 matches.

He's got them in the Copa América semifinals 🧠 pic.twitter.com/iLIrVC7Z9g

— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 6, 2024

Since their first game of the competition, they have won 1-0 against Peru, drawn 0-0 Chile and scored two goals so far.

But Marsch’s team are facing the World Champions and their biggest challenge in their history.

Argentina's record since losing the 2019 Copa América semi-final is INSANE 🤯🇦🇷

They really have more trophies than losses 🏆 pic.twitter.com/c6BqBxdQoo

— OneFootball (@OneFootball) July 8, 2024

Prior to the match, Marsch said,: “Argentina will have to be the best match we’ve ever played, and it still might not be enough. But, whatever. We’re going to go for it.”

Canada is the only CONCACAF team to make the Copa América 2024 Semifinals 🇨🇦👏 pic.twitter.com/lCWvVIJb83

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 7, 2024

Argentina Team News

The Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni has confirmed Messi will start. Before Copa America started Messi had a leg injury and there are signs, he still recovering from it hence his slow start to the competition. Other than that, Scaloni has a fully fit squad to choose from.

Lionel Scaloni: "Messi is fine, he ended the game without any discomfort. He will start tomorrow. Yes, [Messi and Di Maria starting together] that is a possibility." pic.twitter.com/090NmKdJKJ

— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) July 8, 2024

Canada Team News

Jesse Marsch should field the same team that played against Venezuela. They would be only without Tajon Buchanan through a leg injury.

Argentina vs Canada Predicted Lineups

Argentina Possible XI: 4-4-2

E.Martinez, N.Molina, C.Romero, L.Martinez, N.Tagliafico, R.De Paul, A.Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, A.Di Maria, L.Messi, J.Alvarez

Canada Possible XI : 4-2-3-1

M.Crepeau, A.Davies, D.Cornelius, M.Bombito, A.Johnston, S.Eustaquio, J.Osorio, J.Shaffelburg, J.David, R.Laryea, C.Larin

Head-to-Head Results

When it comes to going against each other, they face off only once which was back in the group stage 18 days ago.

Argentina won 2-0 from second goals from Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martinez.

Argentina vs Canada Score Prediction

Argentina 3-1 Canada

Since they both faced off recently, Canada would learn from their mistakes from the previous encounter and would like to their defence to avoid any spaces from behind.

The two goals they conceded from Argentina were through lapses of concentration.

However once Messi is back to his grove Argentina’s midfield start clicking it will be difficult for Canadian’s defence to stop the Argentine surge.

The winners of this match will compete in the final next Monday against the winner of the other semi-final either Colombia or Uruguay.

Some people would disagree with my prediction including a famous Canadian rapper who has a lot on the line for this fixture.

Drake placed a $300,000 bet on Canada to beat Argentina in the Copa America semifinal 😳💰

(via @Drake) pic.twitter.com/dLDNCTHOcE

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 9, 2024