Lionel Messi etched his name further into the annals of international football history during Argentina’s dominant 2-0 semifinal victory over Canada at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. In the 51st minute, the Argentine maestro unleashed his scoring prowess, finding the back of the net to extend his nation’s lead and cement his place as the second-highest goalscorer in international football history.
The goal was a testament to Messi’s sublime touch and instinctive finishing. A deflected shot from Enzo Fernandez ricocheted towards the Canadian goal, and with a deft flick of his right foot, Messi steered the ball past Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau. The goal marked Messi’s 14th in the Copa America and his 109th for Argentina, surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo’s 118 goals for Portugal and placing him behind only Iranian legend Ali Daei, who holds the record with 109 international goals.
Messi’s goal not only added to Argentina’s victory but also solidified his position as one of the greatest footballers of all time. His ability to consistently deliver on the international stage, combined with his unparalleled individual accolades, cements his place as a true legend of the sport.