Lionel Messi and Argentina opened Copa America in Atlanta on the right foot with a 2-0 victory over Canada. Julian Alvarez got the goal to see Argentina through and Lautaro Martinez added the insurance as the defending champions kicked off the tournament. Messi also made his record 35th Copa America appearance passing Chilean goalkeeper Sergino Livingstone. Messi had quite a match with five shots putting three on target but lacked a goal due to an impressive stop from Maxime Crepeau in the second half followed by a block from Derek Cornelius to deny him.
Canada may have lost the...
Lionel Messi and Argentina opened Copa America in Atlanta on the right foot with a 2-0 victory over Canada. Julian Alvarez got the goal to see Argentina through and Lautaro Martinez added the insurance as the defending champions kicked off the tournament. Messi also made his record 35th Copa America appearance passing Chilean goalkeeper Sergino Livingstone. Messi had quite a match with five shots putting three on target but lacked a goal due to an impressive stop from Maxime Crepeau in the second half followed by a block from Derek Cornelius to deny him.
Canada may have lost the...
-Lionel Messi thumped home penalty for Argentina lead
-Julian Alvarez struck either side of half-time to wrap-up comprehensive victory
-South Americans will target third World Cup in final on Sunday
Argentina 3-0 Croatia
Goals: Argentina: Messi (34 pen), Alvarez (39, 69)
Match review
The dream that appeared to be going up in smoke when Saudi Arabia inflicted the shock of this FIFA World Cup™ is not only alive, it is 90 minutes from becoming reality. Lionel Messi is one match from crowning an extraordinary career with the prize he yearns the most.
What’s more, with the penalty he scored to put his team in front here, Messi drew level with Kylian Mbappe on five goals in the Golden Boot tussle. The Golden Ball for best player? That’s within his reach, too.
Messi was outstanding at Lusail Stadium and so were Argentina, emerging from an even, edgy opening half-hour to grab the game by the scruff of the neck and never let go. Dominic Livakovic made a straight forward stop from Enzo Fernandez after 25 minutes, while all Croatia could muster for their superior possession share was a deft effort floated too high by Ivan Perisic after Luka Modric prompted a fluent counter.
That would be the most we saw of Croatia’s renowned technicians, ultimately suffocated by the speed and aggression and control of Lionel Scaloni’s incessant players.
Argentina led when Croatia centre-halves Dejan Lovren and Josko Gvardiol lost their bearings following a ball over the top, allowing Julian Alvarez to escape. Alvarez toed the ball past Livakovic and the keeper resorted to illegal means to prevent the striker collecting it on the other side.
Livakovic has established a reputation as a penalty specialist after four shootout stops at this tournament. But the 27-year-old didn’t have a hope with Messi’s strike, belted into the roof of the net for a fourth goal from the spot – including shootouts – in Qatar.
Croatia’s attempt to respond ultimately came back to bite them. A corner was worked to Marcelo Brozovic on the right of the box, but the cross was cleared and eventually helped on by Messi, applying a touch a fraction before he was upended.
Alvarez picked up possession on halfway and immediately made straight for goal. He was helped by right-back Nahuel Molina displaying the endurance of a cross-country runner to charge the length of the field, distracting defenders and clearing Alvarez’s path.
Still, Alvarez didn’t have it all his own way. He’s a skilful player and sometimes appears to have Velcro attached to his instep. But in this instance, Alvarez chose strength over finesse, barrelling through Josip Juranovic and Borna Sosa, before poking the finish past Livakovic. The keeper, once more, was helpless to resist.
Argentina went searching for the killer blow. Rodrigo De Paul’s shot hit Gvardiol on the hand but the defender’s arm was by his side. Alexis Mac Allister met the subsequent corner to force Livakovic into an athletic stop leaping to his left.
Emiliano Martinez at the other end was all-but unemployed. He needed to get down sharply to divert behind a cross from Juranovic – and after the break, there was a good stop to deny Lovren after Modric curled over a left-wing free-kick.
But Argentina were in charge. Livakovic saved at his near post form the imperious Messi but the elusive forward would have the final say. Messi duped Gvardiol on the right, teasing the defender with a series of feints and tricks, eventually spinning 360 degrees to give the Croatian the slip at the byline. Alvarez was waiting for the low delivery and confidently beat Livakovic for his second goal.
Argentina could have had more – Mac Allister was narrowly wide with a volley, late on. But Messi and Co were already assured of their place back at Lusail Stadium on Sunday.
Key moment
Croatia won’t be overly disturbed to find themselves one goal down, went the popular argument. All Messi’s emphatic penalty did, after all, was dump the 2018 runners-up in familiar territory.
Zlatko Dalic’s team recovered deficits against Japan and Brazil to win both matches on penalties and reach this stage. There is a level of cussedness, a refusal to concede defeat, embedded in this team. On the way to the Russia final four years ago, Croatia came from behind in all three of their knockout matches.
A one-goal lead, then, was never going to sit entirely comfortably with Argentina. Indeed, for their part, Scaloni’s team haven’t always capitalised on getting their noses in front in Qatar.
Saudi Arabia trailed to a Messi penalty before securing a win that appears more extraordinary with each passing Argentina performance in this tournament. Argentina had to rely on penalties to get past the Netherlands after surrendering a two-goal advantage in the quarter-final. Australia, too, put the frighteners on the South Americans when they struck to set up a grandstand finish after seeming out of contention at 2-0 down.
When Alvarez determinedly barged his way through to briskly turn one into two for Argentina, however, it felt like Croatia’s race was run. The Europeans expended so much energy to progress to the last four – a core of these players were integral to the final run in Russia, too – and were powerless to dip into the well, once more.
Five breathless minutes was all it took for Argentina to transform a balanced contest, exerting a grip Croatia never threatened to release after the punch to the solar plexus administered by Manchester City forward Alvarez shortly before half-time.
Key stats
Excluding shootouts, only Eusebio (four for Portugal in 1966) and Rob Rensenbrink (four for Netherlands in 1978) have scored more penalties at a single World Cup than the three Lionel Messi has netted at the 2022 edition.
Messi's strike moved him one clear of 10-goal Gabriel Batistuta at the top of the list of Argentina World Cup scorers.
Messi is the first Argentina player to score five goals in a FIFA World Cup since Gabriel Batistuta in 1998.
More Messi: The 35-year-old tied Lothar Matthaus on a record 25 World Cup appearances.
Messi is the sixth player in FIFA World Cup history to score in the round of 16, quarter-finals and semi-finals in a single edition of the competition following Salvatore Schillaci (1990), Roberto Baggio (1994), Hristo Stoichkov (1994), Davor Suker (1998) and Wesley Sneijder (2010).
Quotes
Lionel Messi: "I feel a lot of things, it's very exciting to see all this [celebrations in stadium]. Seeing the people, the family throughout the World Cup was incredible. We're going for the last game, which was what we wanted.
"I don't know if it's my best World Cup or not. I've been enjoying this for a while. We were confident this group was going to pull it off. We know who we are, and we asked people to believe in us.
"We have been through tough situations, others very good. Today, we live something spectacular. I am enjoying with all these people and with all the Argentines who are in our country. I imagine it must be crazy. We knew we weren't the top candidates [favourites for tournament], but we weren't going to give anything to anyone. We were demonstrating it game-by-game. Argentina is, once again, in the final of the world. Enjoy!"
Player of the match
Lionel Messi
Dec 9: The tournament favourites versus the 2018 runners-up.
Then a repeat of the 1978 final in another glamorous match-up.
Here is a summary of what we have got to look forward to...
Can Croatia stop 'terrifying' Brazil's carnival?
Brazil have long been an alluring attraction for football fans and they have again been delighting their supporters - plus many neutrals from around the world - with their free-flowing moves in Qatar.
The Selecao tore South Korea apart with a devastating attacking performance in their last-16 tie, underlining why Tite's side are considered the favourites to lift the trophy on 18 December.
Even the manager enjoyed the show, joining with his players as they danced in celebration of the 4-1 win. Now they're aiming to provide more entertainment on Friday.
"What I've seen so far, when you take a look at their players, their quality, skills and value, then it is indeed terrifying," said Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic.
"We need to enter the match with much faith, self-confidence and looking for our chances, enjoy the occasion of playing Brazil, that's it."
Croatia, who lost to France in the 2018 World Cup final, are likely to pose the toughest test so far for five-time champions Brazil.
Their progression has again been orchestrated by 37-year-old Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric, who indicated before arriving in Qatar that this would likely to be his last major tournament.
"When you see people like Luka Modric running and dying on the pitch, it gives us younger players extra energy to run," said Croatia full-back Josip Juranovic.
Messi or Van Gaal heading for World Cup farewell?
The prospect of the Netherlands and Argentina coming together again at a World Cup evokes vivid memories across different generations.
Whether it is Mario Kempes inspiring Argentina to victory in the 1978 final, that sublime touch and finish from Dennis Bergkamp to put the Dutch into the 1998 semi-finals, or a drab 2014 encounter ending with Argentine keeper Sergio Romero becoming the penalty shootout hero, there is a long-developed rivalry between the nations which adds a romanticism.
This occasion should be no different.
It could be the last time we see Argentina's Lionel Messi - considered by many as the greatest player ever seen - on the biggest international stage of all.
It could also be the last time we see the Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal in the dugout.
Messi, 35, carries the hopes of his nation as he aims to land a title which has so far eluded him, while 71-year-old Van Gaal - who recovered from prostate cancer earlier this year and is set to step down after the World Cup - is trying to ensure the three-time runners-up finally go one step further.
The veteran coach's plan may largely focus on containing Messi and catching Argentina on the break, as the Dutch look to take revenge for their semi-final defeat in 2014.
"We can surprise teams with our plan. We were also the better team then and Messi didn't see much of the ball," said Van Gaal, whose bullish talk further stokes anticipation for the contest.
Wherever you are, whatever you're doing, it promises to be a World Cup Friday which you won't want to miss. (with inputs from bbc)
-Just two matches stand between us and a superlative World Cup Final
-Lionel Messi and Argentina are really gaining momentum, with the enthusiastic backing of arguably the loudest fans at the tournament
-While Cristiano Ronaldo may have lost his place in Portugal’s starting line-up, his relentless ambition will continue to drive the team forward
A FIFA World Cup™ Final between Argentina and Portugal would be the Hollywood ending to one of the most compelling rivalries the footballing world has ever seen. Could we really see a grand finale with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as its main protagonists?
The simple answer to this question is: yes.
What needs to happen to set up a Final between Argentina and Portugal?
Argentina first need to beat the Netherlands on Friday and would then face the winner of the match between Croatia and Brazil in the semi-finals. If they can pass that formidable test, the Albiceleste will reach the Final for the fourth time in the last 40 years.
Portugal have never gone beyond the last four at a World Cup, and their first challenge on the way to their maiden Final is to defeat Morocco. The winners of that encounter must then take on either France or England in the semi-finals on Wednesday 14 December.
While the hurdles between both teams and the final showdown are admittedly extremely high, nothing is impossible when you consider the standards they set for themselves.
What would be the significance of a Final featuring Messi and Ronaldo?
Simply put, it would be a dream for many football fans. The volume levels in Qatar have gone through the roof whenever one of these two superstars step onto the pitch, and there are few sporting headlines anywhere in the world that could dislodge a showdown like this from the back pages.
A Final between Argentina and Portugal would also mean that one of the two players with the most individual accolades in the game would crown their glittering career with a World Cup winners medal, while the other would probably have to come to terms with the fact that the GOAT debate would be settled at last.
SAO PAULO, Sept. 6: Brazil's home World Cup qualifier against Argentina was suspended on Sunday after four players from the visiting team were accused of breaching COVID-19 protocols.
Officials from Brazilian health regulator Anvisa walked onto the Corinthians Arena pitch seven minutes after kickoff to order the game be halted.
According to the government agency, Premier League players Emiliano Martinez, Giovani Lo Celso, Cristian Romero and Emiliano Buendia failed to comply with entry regulations for travelers.
Rules introduced to curb the spread of COVID-19 prohibit non-Brazilians from entering the country if they have passed through the United Kingdom, South Africa, Northern Ireland and India in the past 14 days.
In a statement issued hours before the match, Anvisa accused the players of providing false information on immigration forms and ordered them to self-isolate immediately.
"Anvisa considers the situation a serious health risk, and therefore advised the local health authorities to determine the immediate quarantine of players, who are prevented from participating in any activity and should not remain in Brazilian territory," the agency said.
Martinez, Lo Celso and Romero were on the pitch when the match was interrupted while Buendia was watching from the stands, having missed a place in Argentina's match day squad.
Players and coaches from both teams, including Argentina captain Lionel Messi and Brazil star Neymar, spoke at length with the Anvisa officials after play was stopped.
Messi was heard asking why the fixture was allowed to start if officials already knew of the protocol breach.
By then, most of his teammates were already in the locker rooms and the game was officially suspended almost an hour after the interruption. Brazil's players remained on the pitch throughout and later took part in an impromptu training session.
It was not immediately clear if the qualifier would be rescheduled.
"The referee and the match official will take a report to the FIFA disciplinary committee and they will decide what steps to take," the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) said in a statement.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni echoed Messi sentiments, questioning why officials had decided to wait until the game started to take action. Argentina arrived in Brazil on Friday.
"It makes me very sad. I'm not looking for any culprits. Irrespective of whether or not there was any wrongdoing, it was not the time to make that intervention," Scaloni said.
"It should have been a match to be enjoyed by everyone, a chance to see the best players in the world. I would like the people of Argentina to understand that as a coach I have to defend my players.
"At no time were we notified that they could not play the match. We wanted to play the game, the players from Brazil too."
Claudio Tapia, the president of the Argentinian Football Association, refuted suggestions the Albiceleste had knowingly contravened Brazil's health guidelines.
"You can't talk about anybody lying because there is a health legislation under which all South American [football] tournaments are played," he told reporters.
"The health authorities of each country approved a protocol that we have been closely complying with. What happened today is regrettable for football.
PARIS, August 8: As Lionel Messi prepared to say farewell to Barcelona in a club press conference on Sunday, French fans and media alike were salivating over the impact the superstar's mooted arrival at Paris Saint-Germain would have on the club and the French league.
The 34-year-old will take questions from the press at noon (1000 GMT) on Sunday, Barcelona said in a statement. They will be his first public comments since his departure was announced.
Meanwhile PSG appeared to be closing in on a deal for the Argentinian superstar with Nasser al-Khelaifi, the president of the Qatar-owned club, and sporting director Leonardo both missing the team's 2-1 win at Troyes in their Ligue 1 season-opener on Saturday.
"There have been lots of rumours. Lots of things are being said," said PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino.
"I just hope we will be strong enough to try to win every competition we are involved in."
Messi had been expected to stay in Barcelona on a much reduced salary but president Joan Laporta said on Friday he was not prepared "to put the club at risk" by renewing Messi's contract, as they face up to huge financial problems.
Many in Catalonia are struggling to accept the departure of the 34-year-old who has been with the club since he signed a contract on a napkin at the age of 13.
"Still hard to understand that you will not play for @FCBarcelona anymore," tweeted coach Ronald Koeman, the man whose goal won Barca their first European Cup in 1992.
"Thanks for everything you have done for our club Leo. I really enjoyed the full season we worked together. I am impressed with your work ethic and desire to win."
Former teammate Cesc Fabregas, who first played against the 13-year-old Messi, also posted a warm tribute.
"You leave as the best player of all time. It will never be the same to see Barca without you. Thank you, thank you and thank you for everything you have given," he tweeted.
With Manchester City coach and former Messi mentor, Pep Guardiola, saying the Premier League champions are not in the market, that left Qatari-backed PSG as the only suitors with deep enough pockets -- in Spain he was reportedly earning over 70 million euros ($82.3m) a year net.
Barcelona-based daily Sport insisted on Saturday that "for the moment, Messi has no offer from any club."
Yet Laporta indicated on Friday that Messi "has other offers and there is a time limit because La Liga starts soon and he needs time to assess his other options."
Messi has lifted the Champions League four times with Barcelona and PSG are desperate for the final piece to take them to that honour.
- 'Marriage of love and reason' -
Former Barcelona teammate, Brazilian Neymar, has made no secret of his desire for a reunion.
He would also team up in attack with his Argentina colleague Angel di Maria as well as Kylian Mbappe, the 22-year-old tipped to succeed Messi as the leading player on the planet.
An added attraction could be Pochettino, who like Messi started his career at Newell's Old Boys in Rosario, Argentina.
"Messi to Paris, it's yes," read a headline in Le Parisien which described the sealing of a "marriage of love and reason".
Sports daily L'Equipe reported Messi will receive a three-year "record contract" with various reports saying he stands to earn 35 million euros a season -- but it appears nothing has been signed.
Other French clubs welcomed the idea of Messi lighting up Ligue 1.
"For me he is the best player in the world. If he comes to Ligue 1 anyone who likes football is going to enjoy it," said the Lyon coach, Peter Bosz.
Le Parisien reported that Messi's father and representative Jorge had reached out to PSG after it became clear the player would not be staying in Catalonia.
- Numbers point to exit -
Messi originally reached agreement with Barcelona to sign a five-year contract worth 50 percent less per year.
But La Liga's financial fair play rules, which are expected to reduce the amount Barca can spend on salaries this season by some 200 million euros ($235 million), led Laporta to conclude they were unable to complete the deal.
"We could not accommodate Messi's contract," said Laporta, who was re-elected as club president in March and said Friday he would not "mortgage" the club for anybody.
"The situation we have inherited is abominable and the sports salary bill represents 110 per cent of the club's income.
"La Liga's rules set limitations and we have no margin. We have known the situation since we arrived but the numbers we have seen are even worse than we thought."
Barcelona have total debts of almost 1.2 billion euros, with more than half of that needing to be repaid in the short term.
"Leo wanted to stay and he's not happy," Laporta admitted of a player who has broken a slew of records in his 17 years at the club, not least netting 672 goals to earn what Laporta termed the club's "eternal gratitude."
RIO DE JANEIRO, July 9 : As much as both managers tried not to discuss it, the recent tournament history of Copa America finalists Brazil and Argentina is a study of contrasts.
Argentina will be aiming to win their first major title since the 1993 Copa America when they battle for glory at Rio de Janeiro's Maracana stadium on Saturday.
During that time, Brazil have stood on the Copa America champions' podium five times and won the World Cup twice.
"That is history. Looking at the past is not a reference," Brazil head coach Tite told a virtual news conference on Friday. "We are undefeated in the last two Copa Americas and we have better numbers but I don't see that having much importance."
Likewise, Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni preferred to avoid answering questions about Argentina's trophy drought and denied that his players were under pressure to end it.
"We have to take it easy and with caution," Scaloni said. "We have to do everything possible to win, without any anxiety. This pandemic has shown that football is important but not that important."
The duel will not only pit what are clearly South America's two best teams against each other, but also the two best players.
Brazil idol Neymar has lived up to expectations by scoring twice and providing three assists in a free-roaming attacking midfield role.
Lionel Messi has been even more devastating for Argentina, leading the competition for both goals (four) and assists (five).
The six-time Ballon d'Or winner has made no secret of his desire to end Argentina's major tournament heartache and he has looked a man on a mission here.
Teammate Rodrigo De Paul gave an insight into how Messi is revered by his peers after the team's quarterfinal victory over Ecuador when he described the 34-year-old as being "one step ahead of all of us".
While many opposing sides have resorted to assigning two or even three players to mark Messi during the competition, Tite appeared to rule out a masterplan to counter the talisman.
"I know [what we'll do], but I'm not going to tell you," he said. "We don't neutralize, we reduce their actions."
The showdown will provide a chance for Argentina to atone for their 2-0 defeat to Brazil in the semifinals of the 2019 Copa America, which was also played in Brazil.
Not that Scaloni seemed to care. The 43-year-old said his top priority was to help ensure the quality of the spectacle by keeping his players in a positive frame of mind.
"Tomorrow is a final and we have to play it as if it were in Buenos Aires, Santiago de Chile or Barranquilla," the former wing-back said. "In addition, Brazil are playing at home, at a mythical stadium. The football world will come to a standstill," he added.
(Xinhua)
BRASILIA, July 6 :Lionel Messi said Tuesday that he is more "thrilled than ever" at the prospect of winning an elusive international trophy after helping Argentina beat Colombia on penalties to reach the Copa America final.
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez saved three spot-kicks in the shootout as the Albiceleste set up a clash with hosts Brazil in Saturday's decider at the Maracana stadium.
"It was a tough game but we deserved it," Messi said in an interview with Argentine television after the match. "At times it became difficult because of the way they defended. But we have [Emiliano Martinez] who is a phenomenon. We knew he was going to make those saves. We know what he is capable of and we trusted him."
Messi set up Lautaro Martinez for Argentina's only goal in the allotted 90 minutes before converting the first penalty of the shootout.
The 34-year-old has been in unstoppable form in Brazil, racking up four goals and five assists in the tournament so far.
"Many times it's easier to play against European teams than this type of game because there are more spaces," he said. "We tried our best and luckily we were able to win."
Argentina's last major tournament triumph came at the 1993 Copa America in Ecuador, where Gabriel Batistuta led them to a 2-1 win over Mexico in the final.
The Albiceleste have come frustratingly close to ending the drought during Messi's time in the national team, finishing runners up at the 2014 World Cup and the 2015 and 2016 editions of the Copa America.
"We are very excited and happy," he said. "Irrespective of whether we win, I've really enjoyed these last 45 days with the team, despite not being able to see our families. It's been a big sacrifice for everyone to try to achieve our goal and now we are almost there."
He also did not hide his enthusiasm at facing his former Barcelona teammate and close friend Neymar in the final.
"We are friends and he wanted me to be there too. I'm sure it's going to be a very even and tough match. We achieved our first objective, which was to reach the final and now we are more thrilled than ever in search of a trophy," the forward added.
(Xinhua)
