3 storylines to follow for the Copa America 2024 semi-finals

The Copa America 2024 semi-finals take place across July 9-10 with Argentina taking on Canada and Colombia facing off against Uruguay.

The tournament has been filled with excitement, disappointment, shock upsets and underdog runs. USA was unceremoniously eliminated in the group stage after losses to Panama and Uruguay, while Brazil never seemed to find its feet. The Selecao was knocked out in the quarter-finals on penalties by Uruguay. As one of the most exciting teams in the tournament under Marcelo Bielsa, La Celeste meets arguably the most in-form team in the competition: Colombia.

On the other side, Jesse Marsch's Canada is pushing for a final appearance in its first-ever Copa America. The only thing standing in The Reds' way? Lionel Messi and Argentina in search of a second consecutive Copa America victory.

Here are three storylines to watch for the Copa America 2024 semi-finals.

Lionel Messi's quest for another Copa America trophy

Of course, Messi and La Albiceleste are the favorites to go all the way. They were coming in, and they still are. The team faced its biggest challenge in the quarter-finals getting pushed to penalties against Ecuador. The pressure was turned up a notch when Messi missed a panenka penalty. The Inter Miami forward hasn't even scored a goal this tournament so far. Argentina prevailed in the long run thanks to Emi Martinez, but the team needs to clean up performances to avoid another scare.

Next up: a rematch against Canada. Jesse Marsch's side opened up the tournament against Argentina losing 0-2. From there, Canada beat Peru 1-0 and played a goalless draw out against Chile to advance. After losing Tajon Buchanan for the remainder of the tournament, The Reds took down Venezuela on penalties to advance.

Experience is definitely on Argentina's side, this is the first Copa America for Canada. Jesse Marsch's side is playing with nothing to lose, plus there's no extra-time until the final. The other semi-final might look like a better game on paper, but this won't be one to miss.

Uruguay vs Colombia is a Copa America final-worthy match

Uruguay took down one of the tournament favorites Brazil, no matter their form, in the quarter-finals on penalties. Marcelo Bielsa's team will meet Colombia in what is a final-worth match. Colombia is the only team to win its quarter-final tie in regulation putting five past Panama.

Fans of Bielsa's style knew this team would be a problem if it came together, and no team has really been able to conquer La Celeste's high-intensity press. And, on the back end, they're difficult to break down in the final third.

Uruguay has scored nine goals so far conceding just one in its opener against Panama. Looking at Colombia, the team has scored 11 goals this tournament and conceded just two. These are the two most in-form teams at the tournament, and only one can advance.

Is Jesse Marsch a potential USMNT head coaching candidate?

Most are already writing off Canada against Argentina. La Albiceleste is the better team on paper, has scored more goals this tournament and has only been challenged once this summer. But, that's not to say Jesse Marsch has done a bad job. In such a short amount of time with the team, the American manager has taken Canada to the semi-final and at minimum will play a third place match later this week. Crazier results have happened internationally, perhaps The Reds are playing a final in a couple days time.

USMNT fans have their eye on Canada considering they have moved on from Gregg Berhalter... even if the team hasn't formally yet. Marsch will likely be targeted in a head coaching search if USA parts ways with Berhalter, though the current manager has a contract through the 2026 World Cup on home soil.

Yes, Canada has only scored one goal this tournament in regulation. But, results matter.

USA might've played better overall, but the Stars and Stripes are on vacation. Canada is taking on the greatest of all time for a shot at playing an international final. Fans will have an eager eye on this match to see if they can get behind the idea, or even lobby for, Jesse Marsch to potentially lead the USMNT.

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