Lionel Messi: Prop Bets, Best Bets vs. Canada

Argentina vs. Canada at 8:00 p.m. ET

It is the semifinals at the Copa America, and it’ll be a rematch of the tournament’s opening game as Canada faces Argentina. Despite having chances, Canada was kept off the scoresheet in the first match. Argentina finished with a comfortable 2-0 win, which felt like it could’ve been more one-sided. Lionel Messi registered an assist, created plenty of chances, and had three shots on target but could not convert.

Canada’s manager Jesse Marsch stated in the pre-match interviews, “We don’t want to play just for penalties. We’re going to go out and play the way we like to play." If Canada pushes, they can leave themselves vulnerable, and Argentina’s #10 could have tons of room to operate.

So, with all that in mind, here are some of the best bets for the Argentina vs. Canada game centered around Messi.

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Lionel Messi to have 3 or more shots on target +175

Whether Canada plays its “fearless," aggressive, and expansive style or reverts to dropping deep and using speed and physicality to limit what Argentina can do, Messi can make the most of it. He had three shots on target in the first game, and there is no reason to believe those opportunities won’t present themselves again. Lautaro Martinez is the current goal leader at the tournament. He and Angel Di Maria will open things up for Messi. 

Lionel Messi to have 2 or more goal involvements (Goals or Assists) +185

Messi will impact this game. Whether it’s assists or scoring, that opening match against Canada was the best Messi has looked all tournament. In the first match, Canada left him room to roam, and he took advantage. His heat map showed his freedom to drift to the right, receive the ball, and bring it to his left, where he is dangerous.

Lionel Messi Anytime Assist +175

Lionel Messi may score, but the odds are not skewed in a way that makes the risk worth it. Instead, let’s lean on his playmaking abilities. No player at the Copa America has been involved in more sequences that led to shots than Messi (22), despite him sitting out against Peru.

Parlay: Lionel Messi Anytime Goal Scorer, Lionel Messi Anytime Assist, 3 or more shots on target +672

Messi should have another stellar performance against Canada. Marsch has already said they won’t man-mark Messi. A player as enterprising as him will be able to find the gaps in the defense. He was unlucky not to score in the first meeting and will have a chance to open his tally. With Argentina likely to dominate possession and the pace of play, the assists and shots on target will come to him in the game’s flow. La Albiceleste should have another dominant performance, and as has been the case for his entire career, Messi will have a significant say in the matters. 

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