Canada will get its shot at redemption against Lionel Messi and Argentina in the Copa America semifinals.
The upstart Canadian squad punched its ticket to the semis on Friday night with a dramatic win over Venezuela in penalties, similar to the way Argentina advanced through its quarterfinal.
Argentina needed penalties to defeat Ecuador, who forced the shootout after a late goal during second-half injury time. Argentina is seeking its third straight major title and 16th Copa America championship.
Messi returned for Argentina during their quarterfinal win, after missing his country’s group-stage finale due to a leg injury.
Canada and Argentina squared off in both squad’s opening game of the tournament. Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez scored to carry Argentina to a 2-0 victory.
From there, Argentina took care of business with group wins over Chile and
Peru to advance to the knockout round.
The semifinal match between Canada and Argentina is scheduled for next Tuesday at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ.