Protagonists of the opening match almost three weeks ago, Argentina and Canada meet again in the Copa América for a place in the final.

Beyond the stakes, the current X-ray of the teams shows changes ahead of Tuesday's showdown in New Jersey.

Argentina began their title defence with a 2-0 win in Atlanta, thanks to second-half goals from Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez.

It was not a comfortable triumph, since the Albiceleste still needed to break Canada's compact defensive block in a recently installed natural césped pitch that displeased critics – “Like a trampoline”, Argentine archer Emiliano Martinez said on the ball's spike.

Argentina are in the semi-finals largely thanks to their goalkeeper. “Dibu” expanded his legend with the national team in the 4-2 penalty win over Ecuador in the quarter-finals by blocking the first two shots of the shootout – Martínez has gone 4-0 in definitions across all 12 stages of major tournaments (a pair in the Copa América and two more in the World Cup, including the final against France in Qatar 2022).

He saved an Argentina side that had suffered greatly against Ecuador by drawing 1-1 in the regulation 90 minutes. Except for a brief period at the end of the first half, after Lisandro Martinez's header, Lionel Scaloni's team – especially its midfield – were handcuffed by the Ecuadorians and created virtually no danger.

More alarming was the almost non-existent contribution of Lionel Messi. Apart from the corner that ended in the central defender's goal, the captain had very little motivation after reappearing due to a muscle illness and missing the first penalty of the shootout, after Kevin Rodríguez had equalised in stoppage time.

She survived and Argentina are in the seventh semi-final of their last eight major tournaments – the 2018 World Cup is the exception.

Canada, for its part, has moved from less to more.

It is surprising to think that coach Jesse Marsch only took charge in May, reaching the cup preceded by two friendlies against the Netherlands and France. But in a very short space of time he has managed to consolidate a team whose great virtue is the speed of its full-backs and forwards, with Alphonso Davies as a great representative.

After finishing second in their group ahead of Peru and Chile, the Canadians upset the odds by beating Venezuela – who were coming off a perfect first phase – by winning 4-3 on penalties.

Canada creates chances but is too forgiving. In their first Copa América, they exceeded expectations after scoring just two goals in four games, even playing with the power play against Peru and Chile. They should have avoided penalties against Venezuela, as they squandered many opportunities on the counterattack.

“The game against Argentina will have to be the best game we've ever played and even then it might not be enough,” Marsch said. “But it doesn't matter. Let's try.”

Ahead of the match against Ecuador, Argentina have been paying attention to Messi's physical condition, particularly his right leg.

The 37-year-old star completed the full 90 minutes but his lack of pace was evident.

“I don't think he'll have any problems,” Scaloni said. “I asked him how he was and every time I asked him he told me he was fine and he was still on the field.”

Argentina needs Messi to be more connected when he takes the field at MetLife Stadium.

Changes are visible in Scaloni's eleven after the poor performance in the quarter-finals. Recovered from a physical illness, it is very possible that Marcos Acuña will return to the left side. Leandro Paredes would return to midfield to replace Enzo Fernández. Ángel Di María and Álvarez seem to accompany Messi in the attack after Nicolás González and Lautaro Martínez (author of four goals) did so against Ecuador.

Besides the three Martínezes, the other standout piece in Argentina was Alexis Mac Allister. According to Opta, the Liverpool midfielder contributed two assists in the tournament, completing 122 of his 135 passes (70 in the opposition half) and will once again take on the task of providing the ball to the attackers.