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Fans on social media have accused Lionel Messi of stealing a goal in Argentina's Copa America semi-final victory against Canada.
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The Inter Miami forward netted in the 51st minute to seal the win over Canada, after Julian Alvarez gave Lionel Scaloni's side the lead earlier in the game.
[WATCH]: Messi deflects Enzo Fernandez's attempt into the net
Messi had struggled to find the net in the 2024 Copa America, providing only one assist prior to the Canada win.
However, five minutes into the second half, the Argentine captain poked the ball home after Enzo Fernandez's shot, which was already heading towards the goal.
While Argentines celebrated their captain's goal and a chance to defend their Copa title, social media fans pointed out that Messi might have been guilty of stealing the goal to open his scoring in the competition.
A social media user identified as @badboy_jerry wrote: "No way! Lionel Messi pinched Enzo Fernandez's goal. What an assist from Enzo Fernandez though!"
Popular troll account, @TrollFootball, saw another opportunity to compare Messi's act to that of Cristiano Ronaldo celebrating a goal wildly despite barely touching the ball.
Messi reacts to the goal
The former Barcelona player also addressed the goal during his post-match press conference. He explained his reason for redirecting the ball into the net.
"I wasn't certain if Enzo's effort was going in. I told Enzo that I didn't mean to cut it off, but I saw that the goalkeeper was falling, and the ball was coming slowly, so I deflected it a little," Messi said.
"It was a reflex," he added.
Argentina and Messi will play in the Copa final against the winner of the other semi-final between Uruguay and Colombia.
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