Canada coach Jesse Marsch has huge respect for Lionel Messi and Argentina ahead of the 2024 Copa America semi-final.

Canada coach Jesse Marsch. Photo: MLS

Canada head coach Jesse Marsch called it an “honor” to face Argentina and Lionel Messi . He then discussed his defensive plans to limit El Pulga’s influence.

“We didn’t do well with Messi in the last game. He can roam too much in front of our goal. How we mark Messi will be really important and we need to limit his space.

“We don’t want Messi to run free like in the last game. But we all know he is the greatest player. We have great respect for him and the stadium will definitely reflect that tomorrow. It’s always an honor to play against a player like Messi,” Marsch said.

This will be the second meeting between Argentina and Canada at this year’s tournament. The South American side defeated their opponents 2-0 in the opening match of the group stage. However, coach Lionel Scaloni insisted that the result did not mean much ahead of tomorrow morning’s semi-final.

“We don’t know if facing Canada for the second time is an advantage or a disadvantage. Like with Ecuador, this match is completely different from the previous friendly. Every coach knows how to take notes and correct mistakes.

Canada have excellent players physically and technically. They have a coach who has an attacking and pressing style of play. They are a good team, able to make it difficult for any opponent. And we hope that tomorrow everything will go our way” – Scaloni said.

The winner of this match will advance to the final, where they will face either Uruguay or Colombia.