Canada's plan for stopping Lionel Messi revealed as Jesse Marsch insists his team 'won't man-mark' Argentina captain in Copa America semi-final tie

Surprise package Canada are set to face the reigning world champions for the second time in a continental competition on U.S. soil. They opened the tournament with a 2-0 defeat against the Albiceleste, with Messi involved in both goals without finding the target himself.

Marsch has taken important lessons from that contest, but maintains that no player in his squad will be charged with the task of following Messi around the field. The former RB Leipzig and Leeds United boss said: “We didn't do well enough with Messi last match, he was able to run free at our goalkeeper too much. We won't man-mark, but we will certainly place an emphasis on how to defend him. How to keep track of him will be really important, and the things that make it difficult for him like limiting his space is our number one thing. We don't want him to run free at our backline like last game. But we all know he's the greatest player to ever play the game, the respect we have for him and certainly the stadium will reflect that, but it's always a privilege to play against a player like him.”

Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi will be in Argentina’s starting XI, having shaken off the muscle complaint that kept him sidelined at one stage. Marsch says the CanMNT are ready to embrace the biggest of challenges, adding: “Our players will be up for it, and excited. The challenge is big. We'll see if we can do better than we did in the first match.”

Canada are taking part in Copa America for the first time, and are now just one game away from the final. Argentina are looking to defend the crown that they captured back in 2021, with Messi and Co looking to line up a clash with either Colombia or Uruguay in Miami on July 14.