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Copa America: How will Lionel Messi and Co. line up for Argentina vs Canada match?

Argentina are set to face Canada in the Copa America semi-final. In the rematch of this tournament's opening game, both teams will be determined to get a win as the final is waiting for them on the other end of the win.

Lionel Scaloni, the head coach of the Argentina national team recently confirmed that captain and ace Lionel Messi will be fit to play in this highly anticipated semifinal against Canada on Tuesday. Despite Messi's recent struggles with form and fitness, Messi could still prove to be a major threat for the opponent.

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That's why head coach Lionel Scaloni is expected to field a strong starting lineup including Messi to overcome the upstart Canadian side. Emiliano Martinez has been in excellent form, making crucial saves and heroic penalty shootout performances to help Argentina reach the semifinals.

Hence, he will be expected to start under the bars. The backline could consist of Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martinez, and Tagliafico. They have been solid this campaign with Lisandro Martinez even scoring the winning goal against Ecuador in the quarterfinals.

In midfield, the experienced trio of De Paul, Mac Allister, and Lo Celso should look to control. They will lead the tempo and create chances for the forwards from the engine room. Nicolas Gonzalez along with them will provide additional creativity and a goal-scoring threat from the midfield.

All eyes, however, will be on Lionel Messi, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, who will be eager to rediscover his best form and lead Argentina to a third consecutive major international title. Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez has been the biggest asset for Argentina this campaign and should again provide the main goal-scoring threat alongside Messi.

He has scored four goals from four matches this term. The semifinal promises to be a thrilling encounter as Argentina, the reigning Copa America and World Cup champions, take on the surprise package of the tournament, Canada, who are performing exceptionally this time around.

Argentina Probable XI vs Canada:

E. Martinez; Molina, Romero, Li. Martinez, Tagliafico; De Paul, Mac Allister, Lo Celso, Gonzalez; Messi, La. Martinez

Story first published: Tuesday, July 9, 2024, 15:54 [IST]
Other articles published on Jul 9, 2024
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