RODRIGO DE PAUL JOINS HIS ARGENTINE TEAMMATE LIONE MESSI

 

SCALONI HAS TURNED ARGENTINA INTO A WELL-OILED, WINNING MACHINE

 EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Argentina entered the Copa América tournament as reigning Copa and World Cup champions, with nothing left to prove -- just another trophy to play for.

Lionel Messi no longer yearns for the validation of his country or feels the burden of achieving success after captaining La Albiceleste to back-to-back titles in 2021 and 2022. Ángel Di María, who once received criticism for his lack of accomplishments with the national team, now proudly boasts a third star on the Argentina crest that he helped attain.

Key figures Emiliano Martínez, Lisandro Martínez, Lautaro Martínez and Rodrigo De Paul also walk onto the field fueled with confidence from adoring supporters.

Now, without the need for acceptance and pressure to lift silverware, Argentina have returned to the Copa América final for the second consecutive time after triumphing against Canada 2-0 at MetLife Stadium on Tuesday. So, what continuously drives this team to victory?

Manager Lionel Scaloni has allowed players to feel proud of previous accomplishments and bask in the glory of the current state of Argentinian triumph. But once the 2024 tournament started, he quickly imposed a sense of humility to avoid arrogance and overconfidence when approaching the new set of challenges that the competition presents. Competing as presiding champions comes with a unique demand, but Scaloni's winning mentality continues to motivate this team to new heights and elevated expectations. One way or another, La Albiceleste finds a way to succeed under his management.

"We are clear about the path to follow. It is not easy to compete again after winning it all. About results, the winner isn't always the one who does the best things. No one can lower their guard," Scaloni said in March.

According to the coach, the goal, no matter how it's achieved, is to win. And players made that mentality apparent once again against Canada.

The North American opponents began the match stronger, pressing high to invade Argentina's half and be an inconvenience to defenders. The Canadians recorded two shots in the first 10 minutes before La Albiceleste could reach goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau.

But as expected by Scaloni, Argentina found a way to break through. Julián Álvarez broke the deadlock in the first half, capitalizing on a through ball from De Paul before completing a right-footed strike into the net. Messi then doubled Argentina's tally in the second 45, scoring his first goal of the tournament when grazing the ball off Enzo Fernández's attempt at goal.

De Paul couldn't get onto the scoresheet, but his 63 touches throughout the match proved vital in the team's constant buildup. Cristian Romero contributed by winning 3 of 3 ground duels and 1 of 1 aerial duels, demonstrating that every detail matters. But still, Argentina didn't convincingly dominate.

Canada completed nine shots and two on target, as Ismaël Koné and Jacob Shaffelburg ran freely inside Argentina's half. Jesse Marsch's side even clawed its way into the box in the final moments of the match, forcing Emiliano Martínez to make an excellent foot save in the 89th minute.

The 2-0 final score might be deceiving and convince supporters that Marsch's team failed to compete, when in reality, Argentina concluded the match with just two more shots and 51% possession. Canada challenged, but La Albiceleste's confidence and conquering mentality proved to be the difference.

Argentina maneuvered the group stage tournament in a similar manner with 2-0 and 1-0 scorelines, winning difficult games with hard-fought performances before almost seeing an early exit against Ecuador. The quarterfinal opponents kicked off stronger, managing three shots and one on goal despite retaining 36% possession. In comparison, Argentina recorded zero shots in the first 24 minutes and resorted to goalkeeper Martínez to stay in the match. Argentina failed to outshine Ecuador, allowing a last-minute equalizer by Kevin Rodríguez to force the game into a penalty shootout. But La Albiceleste refused to crumble under the disappointment of losing the lead, instead returning to the pitch with a greater purpose.

Emiliano Martinez epitomized the winning mentality that Scaloni continues to instill in this team by boasting an impressive confidence and attacking every penalty in an aggressive manner. The quality of the regular-time performance became irrelevant after players proved that Argentina would find a way to prevail by any means necessary.

Fans and media criticized Argentina for a lack of extraordinarily dominant results throughout the tournament, using Colombia's 5-0 triumph over Panama or 3-0 against Costa Rica as examples, but Scaloni's Argentina remain unfazed.

"No, I don't think we need to have that [standout] game; we are playing according to the opponents and competing. We can play better or worse, but we're playing to the level of this tournament," Scaloni said. "We are playing the game needed to compete."

And so, the mentality indoctrinated to La Albiceleste by Scaloni becomes more evident with each passing game, as players find a way to secure a ticket to the next round by any means necessary. The team's unwavering dedication to this mentality drove the 2021 Copa América title and the 2022 FIFA World Cup trophy. Now, the approach to pressure and stress might be different, but this team continues to play with one goal: winning.

Argentina now prepares to compete in the Copa América final for the second consecutive time. Many wonder if Uruguay or Colombia -- set to face off Wednesday -- will pose a greater challenge for Argentina in the last game of the tournament. But the opponent ceases to matter with the mindset La Albiceleste employs.

"Football is this: trying things even when they don't go your way. This team will never stop trying," Scaloni said after Tuesday's win.

It's a philosophy that is clear under the Argentina boss. Every individual on the 26-player roster vows to play his part on and off the field.

- Lizzy Becherano

PLAYER RATINGS: MARTINEZ EXCELS ON PENALTIES IN ARGENTINA WIN

Emiliano Martinez stepped up once again in a penalty shootout to help Argentina beat Ecuador and book a spot in the semifinals of the Copa América. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

 HOUSTON, Texas -- On America's Independence Day, Lionel Messi and Argentina wanted to set off the fireworks for their fans with a quarterfinal win, but once again, just like the 2022 World Cup final, it was their goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, who took the role of hero as his two massive saves helped his team beat Ecuador in a dramatic penalty shootout, securing a place in the semifinals of the Copa América on Thursday night.

After missing Argentina's final group stage match against Perú due to a muscle injury, Messi returned to the starting lineup and led the defending World Cup and Copa América champions to a win over their South American rivals in a physical game in Houston. It was not an easy match for Argentina, however, and despite their possession, there were countless moments when Ecuador really should have taken more advantage.

The start of the game was dominated by La Tricolor as their left-hand side pushed Argentina's backline, constantly catching full-back Nahuel Molina off guard. In fact, on one occasion, it took a very good save at the start from Martínez (from Jeremy Sarmiento) to keep it scoreless.

Aside from one good drive and cross in the first 20 minutes, Messi was also relatively quiet in the first 30 minutes. Argentina, as usual, took a little time to get going but the longer the first half developed, the more accustomed they got to Ecuador's midblock, and even higher up, when Ecuador went man-to-man, Argentina caught on.

Enzo Fernández's blocked attempt after a counter-attacking play ended in a corner and that's how the opener introduced itself. Messi's cross found Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister in the box, who flicked it towards the far post, where he found an open Lisandro Martínez and the Manchester United defender was ready to pounce. Argentina took the lead as they headed into the break.

The second half came with drama as Ecuador earned a penalty after Rodrigo De Paul's hand in the box. It was finally a chance for Félix Sánchez Bas's men to equalize. However, Enner Valencia's poor penalty ensured Argentina's and Martínez's continued quest for a clean sheet throughout the entire campaign. That changed pretty rapidly as Ecuador equalized in stoppage time thanks to Kevin Rodríguez, forcing a dramatic penalty shootout.

But that's where Dibu, once again, stood for his team, especially after Messi missed his panenka attempt. The Aston Villa stopper, who has been so important in these situations in the past -- both Copa América and the World Cup -- produced two huge attempts. His teammates did the rest with their spot kicks, and in the end, Argentina came out victorious.

There is no doubt that manager Lionel Scaloni will probably leave this game with a feeling of caution because he knew his team allowed way too many opportunities and were not imposing going forward. In fact, Ecuador should have won it in 90 minutes. A lot for Scaloni to ponder.

But alas, that's for another day as another final four spot beckons for La Albiceleste. They will now face the winner of Venezuela and Canada.

MANAGER RATING (1-10)

Lionel Scaloni, 5 -- Made changes a little too late and even after they entered the game, he struggled to encourage his team to deal with a very physical, fast and forward-thinking Ecuadorian midfield, especially Moisés Caicedo, who was everywhere. Argentina won the game, but it was not an easy task, and it was certainly not because of Scaloni's decisions.

PLAYER RATINGS (1-10; 10: best. Players introduced after 70 minutes receive no rating)

GK Emiliano Martínez, 9 -- A big save in the 14th minute from Jeremy Sarmiento and made himself big -- mentally and physically -- after Valencia's missed penalty. Then, another incredible performance in the shootout with two massive saves. At this point, he is Argentina's most important player. And I am including Messi.

DF Nahuel Molina, 6 -- Not a great start in the first half, being caught off his defending duties as Ecuador's left-hand side continued to push through the lines. But as the game developed, he got more involved in the forward-thinking play, helping Argentina's wide areas.

DF Cristian Romero, 6 -- A typical performance from Cuti, which started on a foul against Valencia, just to show his presence. Overall, he was okay, but not as impressive as he usually is.

DF Lisandro Martínez, 7 -- A great game, finding his first-ever goal for Argentina thanks to his headed attempt in the first half. Came off in the 78th minute.

DF Nicolás Tagliafico, 6 -- Relatively quiet game, where he was more focused on the defensive aspects of his game. Some good tackles and runs in the second half.

MF Enzo Fernández, 5 -- A half-decent header in the first half and another just before the 35th minute as Argentina countered, but hit the defender. Overall, he struggled slightly to compose himself and was outshone by his Chelsea teammate Caicedo.

MF Alexis Mac Allister, 7 -- Cleaned up a lot of mistakes from Argentina's midfield in the first half, and it was his flick from Messi's corner that set up the opener from Licha Martínez. Converted his penalty.

MF Rodrigo De Paul: 6 -- An inconsistent start to the game, felt the wrath of Ecuador's midfield, and it was his mistake that led to the penalty. Improved in the second, but overall, a so-so performance.

MF Nicolás Gonzalez: 7-- A great shift from the Fiorentina attacker who would move all over the pitch from the left-hand side. Did not stop running and hustled to get every ball back.

FW Lionel Messi: 5 -- One decent run and a low-ball cross as well as a great ball for Fernández in the first half after not seeing many chances, but didn't have as much space for him and his teammates. His corner was the setup for the goal, however. His presence was obviously still a massive impact but still looking for his first goal in the competition. A missed panenka in the shootout. Messi also had 32 ball touches against Ecuador, per Opta, which were his fewest in a competitive 90-minute match for Argentina since 2011.

FW Lautaro Martínez, 5 -- After an electrifying start to the tournament, it was a quiet game for the Internazionale man. Lots of runs that didn't really go anywhere. Replaced by Julián Álvarez in the 64th minute.

SUBSTITUTES

FW Julián Álvarez: 6 -- A productive cameo, mainly there to do the running and pressing for Messi. Had a half-attempt moments after coming on. Converted his penalty.

DF Nicolås Otamendi, N/A

MF Giovani Lo Celso, N/A

DF Gonzalo Montiel, N/A -- Converted his penalty.

- Luis Miguel Echegaray, ESPN

ARGENTINA PLAYER RATINGS: 8/10 MESSI LEADS WIN VS. CANADA

Lionel Messi helped Argentina to a 2-0 victory over Canada in the opening match of the 2024 Copa América. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)

 Argentina triumphed 2-0 over Canada in the inaugural match of the 2024 Copa América at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia as goals from Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez propelled the reigning champions to first on the Group A standings.

La Albiceleste kicked off strong, testing Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau early on to make the North Americans uncomfortable. Canada coach Jesse Marsch's side didn't back down, however, managing several shots to keep Argentina uncomfortable until the halftime whistle.

After the second whistle, Argentina found the energy that led them to the 2021 Copa América and 2022 World Cup title. A key pass by Lionel Messi to Alexis Mac Allister in the 49th minute inspired the build-up to the first goal, allowing the Liverpool figure to connect with Álvarez to gain the lead.

Canada attempted to bounce back, but substitute Martínez entered the game with the necessary vigor to find the back of the net first and double the score.

Lionel Scaloni's Argentina will now prepare to face Chile on Tuesday night at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey for the second group stage match of the tournament.

Manager rating (scale of 1-10)

Lionel Scaloni, 8 -- The manager put out a strong starting 11, but his intelligence showed when making much-needed substitutions in the second half. Though Álvarez could've stayed on the pitch, subbing in Martínez proved to be a key factor in the victory. A good coach not only knows his strongest players, but also pays attention to the assets on the bench.

Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best)

GK Emiliano Martínez, 7 -- After a somewhat comfortable first half, the Aston Villa goalkeeper became crucial in the second 45 to maintain the clean sheet.

DF Nahuel Molina, 6 -- Struggled on the right against Alphonso Davies, coming up short against the Bayern Munich player.

DF Cristian Romero, 7 -- Paired well with Martinez to create, keeping the much-needed clean sheet.

DF Lisandro Martínez, 7 -- Two clearances and provided the backline with the strength necessary against a tricky Canada.

DF Marcos Acuña, 6 -- Defensively solid, but lacked strength when going forward on the attack.

MF Alexis Mac Allister 8 -- Incredibly creative on the attack, consistently threatening Canadian players before finally breaking through on that first goal. Excellent connection with Messi to inspire the goal.

MF Leandro Paredes 7 -- A sound defensive performance with two necessary interceptions and two blocked attempts. A necessary figure in the midfield.

MF Rodrigo De Paul 7 -- Defensively and structurally sound, saw a couple of bright moments on the attack but his long passes need fine-tuning.

MF Ángel Di María 7 -- Led a couple of key breakaways but lacked the precision on the front foot. On another night, he would've put away those opportunities in the first half.

FW Lionel Messi 8 -- His unique vision of the game inspired the key pass to Mac Allister in the build-up of the first goal. Otherwise tested Crépeau, but unlucky not to find the back of the net on the 1v1. situations.

FW Julián Álvarez 8 -- Despite a muted first half, he redeemed himself with the opening goal of the game.

Substitutes (players introduced after 80 minutes = no rating)

MF Giovani Lo Celso 7 (Di Maria, 68') -- A bit muted on the ball, difficult to judge his impact when Martínez outshined the substitutes.

FW Lautaro Martínez 9 (Álvarez, 76') -- It didn't take the player long to come into the game, spice things up and score his goal.

MF Nicolás Otamendi 7 (Paredes, 77') -- A decent performance in a short period of time, but again outshined by Martinez.

- Lizzy Becherano