Messi tries to get in behind the defense but is flagged offside as Argentina look to stretch Canada early.

Messi cuts in from the right and fires a left‑footed shot from inside the box, but his effort is blocked by the Canadian defense.

From outside the area, Messi unleashes a left‑footed strike that flies over the bar just before halftime.

Messi finds space in the middle of the box and shoots left‑footed, but his attempt is blocked amidst a crowded penalty area.

Moments later, Messi drives in from the left and strikes low with his left foot, forcing a save down to the bottom right corner.

On a swift counterattack, Messi’s left‑footed shot from the center of the box whistles just wide of the left post.

Messi commits a foul, halting Canada’s buildup as the match grows more physical late on.

From a set piece, Messi swings in a cross that Otamendi meets with a header, but it drifts wide of the right post.

Play is briefly halted as Messi receives treatment after a knock, but he is able to continue.

Following another set‑piece delivery, Messi lays the ball off for Otamendi, whose close‑range left‑footed effort sails over the bar.

Messi slices a precise through ball into the box, releasing Lautaro Martínez, who finishes calmly to make it 2–0 for Argentina.