Argentina is the first Copa America finalist

Lionel Messi scored Argentina's second goal in a 2:0 Copa America semi-final win over Canada.

The defending champions will face the winners of the semi-final between Uruguay and Colombia in the highly anticipated final in Miami on 14 June.

The 15-time Copa America champions produced their best performance of the tournament in front of 82,500 spectators at the MetLife Stadium and, like their 2022 World Cup triumph, appear to be hitting peak form at the perfect time.

Canada surprised many after reaching the last four in their first Copa America appearance, but Messi and company were simply too good.

The scoring was opened in the 22nd minute by Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez, who replaced Lautaro Martinez in the starting XI.

Legend Leo Messi's goal came in the 51st minute, his first of the tournament. Angel Di Maria, another veteran in Argentina's squad, also took part in the match, with this edition of the Copa America his last appearance for the national team in a major forum. | BGNES