Messi is no longer a superhero, but Argentina is still very scary. The match between Argentina and Canada in the semi-finals of Copa America 2024 will take place at 7:00 a.m. on July 10 at MetLife Stadium (New Jersey, USA).

Never before has Messi ‘s influence on the Argentine national team been as weak as in Copa America 2024. Since the beginning of the tournament, El Pulga has not scored any goals and has only had 1 assist.
Argentina - Canada Prediction (7am July 10): Messi is not a superman - 1Messi did not play well at Copa America 2024 (Photo: Getty).

Even in the quarter-final match against Ecuador, Messi almost became a sinner when he failed to take a penalty kick. However, fortunately, the excellence of Emiliano Martinez saved Messi from great shame (according to comments of Express).

However, even when Messi is lacking, Argentina is still formidable. The New York Times believes that La Albiceleste have learned how to win without Messi. Lautaro Martinez has shown his influence. The Inter Milan striker has scored 4/6 goals for Argentina in this year’s tournament (accounting for 66.66%).

Coach Scaloini understands that the team will find it difficult to rely on Messi’s tired legs at the age of 37. The veteran has been hampered by a persistent hamstring injury since the fall of 2023. Whether he wants to or not, he cannot carry the entire Argentina team on his back like he did for most of his career.

Messi can still start and create moments of genius, but it would be wrong to ask too much of the 37-year-old player. It is worth noting that the pitch in the US is quite small, at the minimum level according to the regulations on football field size (100×64 meters). This means that Messi is even more “locked” in a narrow space. Ecuador understood this clearly when they proactively approached very quickly and did not let Messi play the ball.

“This was a very difficult match. Ecuador played hard and pressed very well. They have strong and dynamic players,” Messi admitted after the Copa America quarter-final.
Argentina - Canada Prediction (7am July 10): Messi is not a superman - 2Canada will learn many lessons from its loss to Argentina in the group stage of Copa America 2024 (Photo: Getty).

Of course, Canada knows that too. But the scary thing about Argentina is that they have many attackers and they no longer live in the breath of Messi. Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez or even center-back Lisandro Martinez are all ready to play the hero.

Canada had already tasted defeat against La Albiceleste in the group stage when the attacking pair of Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez both scored. In fact, even when reaching the Copa America semi-finals, Canada appeared to be “weaker” than Argentina.

In any case, Canada’s spirit is very good, having reached the Copa America semi-finals for the first time. They will do everything to stop Argentina in this match. No one can underestimate the great determination of the North American team. The match only lasts 90 minutes (followed by a penalty shootout), creating conditions for Canada to defend to the death and push Argentina into a “shootout” of life and death.

However, as mentioned, the Tango team has many faces that make a difference at this time.

Argentina vs Canada squad information

Argentina have the best squad. Messi will likely start and join Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez to form La Albiceleste’s attacking trio.

Canada is not sure about Tajon Buchanan’s service because this player has not fully recovered from injury.

Expected lineup Argentina vs Canada

Argentina (4-4-2): E. Martinez; Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Acuna; De Paul, Lo Celso, Mac Allister; Messi, Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez

Canada (4-2-3-1): Crepeau; Johnston, Bombito, Cornelius, Davies; Osorio, Eustaquio; Laryea, David, Shaffelburg; Larin

Score prediction Argentina 1-0 Canada

Supercomputer predicts the result of Argentina vs Canada match

According to the Sport Mole supercomputer, the probability of Argentina winning is 61.73%. Canada’s chance of winning is only 16.71%. The probability of the two teams drawing after 90 minutes and the match having to be decided by penalties is 21.54%. The most likely score for Argentina to win is 1-0 with 11.54%. The most likely score for Canada to win is 0-1 with 5.32%. The most likely score for a draw is 1-1 with 10.24%.

Predictions of some newspapers in the world

Sport Mole: Argentina 2-0 Canada

Whoscored: Argentina 2-1 Canada

Her sports : Argentina 3-1 Canada

Squawka: Argentina 2-0 Canada