EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Under a hot, sticky sky, and sealed their second consecutive final -- and fourth in past five tournaments -- with a win over on Tuesday.
Thanks to goals from 's and Messi, Argentina secured a strong and somewhat painless victory over the Copa's last remaining Concacaf nation. It was also Messi's 109th international goal, passing Ali Daei for second-most men's international goals of all time. Canada, in quintessential Jesse Marsch fashion, started with a lot of energy as their high press aimed to make Argentina just as uncomfortable as the weather at MetLife stadium.
's tested 's right side early in the game, but in the end, it came to nothing. As the first half developed, that Canadian press and aggression deflated, and Argentina started to take more control of the game as Messi attempted a low, left-footed shot in the 12th minute. Canada were not bowing down and looked to capitalize on loose possession, but still couldn't find the right pass to fully threaten Argentina keeper .
And when you play Argentina, you have to take any chance you get because if you don't, Lionel Scaloni's side will eventually make you pay. They are after all FIFA's best-ranked team, and Copa América defending champions for a reason and, in the 22nd minute, took the lead thanks to a great through ball from that found Àlvarez. It was his second goal in the tournament and again, just like the opening game in the group stages, he opened the scoring against Canada.
The evapora.