Lionel Messi scored his 109th international goal and first of the tournament, leading defending champion Argentina to a 2-0 victory over Canada into the Copa América final.

Julián Álvarez put the Albiceleste ahead in the 22nd minute, and Messi redirected Enzo Fernández's shot in off goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau in the 51st.

Messi has 28 goals in his past 25 matches for Argentina and 14 in Copa America play, three shy of the record.

Only Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo with 130 has more men's international goals than Messi, who turned 37 on June 24.

With a victory on its independence day, Argentina extended its unbeaten streak to 10 games.

The Albiceleste seek a record 16th Copa title when they play Uruguay or Colombia on Sunday at Miami Gardens, Florida.