Copa America 2024: Argentina vs. Canada – Odds, Prediction & Best Bets

By: Alex Murray
08 Jul 24
Copa América 2024
Argentina vs Canada Copa America 2024
Copa America 2024 Argentina vs. Canada

We’re down to the final four at this 2024 Copa America, and the nation everyone expected to be here is going up against the nation no one expected to be here, as favorites Argentina take on debutantes Canada for the second time at this tournament. The showdown will be happening on Tuesday, July 9 at MetLife Stadium, home of the NFL’s New York Giants and Jets, in East Rutherford, New Jersey at 8:00PM E.T.

Argentina have been as solid as anyone could have expected the No. 1 nation in the world to be, though talisman Lionel Messi has been well below his usual standard. Canada, meanwhile, has scrapped their way to a semi-final in their first ever Copa America appearance.

Argentina vs Canada Analysis

Argentina

Argentina somewhat breezed through group play, but they weren’t exactly dominant, and Messi’s many missed chances eventually came back to bite them, as they just barely scraped by Ecuador after Messi missed a panenka attempt in the penalty shootout. After that scare, they’re unlikely to take Canada lightly.

Team news: No one will be suspended for this match.

Predicted Lineup: Keeper: Emiliano Martinez; Defenders: Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico; Midfielders: Rodrigo de Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Nicolas Gonzalez; Forwards: Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez

CanadaCanada

Canada was not expected to do much in their first ever appearance, but here they are, in the final four. They have proven themselves much more resourceful than many thought, and they showed their mettle despite their age in taking the lead against Venezuela, staying cool after they were pegged back, and winning the shootout.

Team news: No one will be suspended for this match.

Predicted Lineup: Keeper: Maxime Crepeau; Defenders: Alphonso Davies, Derek Cornelius, Moise Bombito, Alistair Johnston; Midfielders: Stephen Eustaquio, Jonathan Osorio, Jacob Shaffelburg, Richie Laryea; Forwards: Jonathan David, Cyle Larin

Argentina vs Canada Match Prediction

If Argentina hadn’t come so close to crashing out against Ecuador in the quarter-finals, we might have given Canada a chance here just based on the hubris the No. 1 team in the world was likely to bring to this game in that scenario. But after that scare, Argentina is going to be laser focused on fulfilling their destiny as the tournament favorites.

Apart from Messi, Argentina have looked near-perfect, as strange as that is to say. They’ve been defensively pristine, as the only goal they’ve allowed was a stoppage time fluke against Ecuador. Their midfield has been both strong and energetic, and the attack with Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez has been lethal.

Canada has been through the gauntlet, but they’re still alive. For most of this tournament, Jesse Marsch has gone against his usual tactics and played very defensive football, as they’ve sat back and tried to play on the counter. That resulted in a few good chances against Argentina in the opener, but we doubt the Canadian defenses will be able to keep Argentina out of their net. 

Argentina will win this one in regulation, but considering the odds we’re getting for their moneyline from Ontario sportsbooks, a much better option would be the under on the total goals prop at -128, or even the -196 odds on the “both teams to score - no” prop.

Argentina vs. Canada Best Bet:

Lautaro Martinez Anytime Scorer (+110) | Sports Interaction

Lionel Messi was supposed to be a golden soccer betting goose in this tournament, but instead, he’s been a dud. He’s provided a couple of assists, but those have been overshadowed by missed chances and a blown panenka in the quarter-final penalty shootout. His striking partner, Lautaro Martinez, has made up for him, however.

The Inter Milan man was already hot coming into this tournament, having scored thrice in the three matches leading up to this one, but he’s gone human torch since arriving in the USA. 

He scored in every group stage game despite coming on as a sub in two of them, and he wrested the starting job from Julian Alvarez in the process. With Messi out of plus odds range, the best option sports betting sites are giving us is Martinez at +110, and we’ll take that gladly.

Alex is a recent graduate of Ryerson's Sport Media program in 2019 and has been contributing to BettingTop10 since 2020. He has worked in the field of sports and sports betting for several years, including writing for theScore and daily fantasy sports website FantasyPros as one of their lead NBA news writers. A dedicated sports fan and experienced sports bettor, Alex has the knowledge to provide you with the best betting advice and the sneakiest props no matter what the sport may be.

3

Must be 18+ to participate, T&Cs apply, Play responsibly. Offers Not Available For Ontario Residents

14

Open Account offer bet365 don't do ordinary, that's why if you sign up now you'll get the choice of two great New Customer Offers, the First Bet Safety Net up to $1000 or Bet $10 and Get $50 in Bonus Bets. So, whatever the sport, whatever the moment, it's Never Ordinary at bet365. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.