Canadian rapper Drake has placed an extraordinary $300,000 bet on his home nation to defeat Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the Copa America 2024 semifinal. The Argentina vs Canada match will take place at MetLife Stadium on Tuesday, July 9.
Drake bets $300,000 on Canada
Drake seems confident in Canada’s ability to upset the 2022 FIFA World Cup champions, sharing a screenshot of his bet on Stake via his Instagram story. If Canada manages to win, Drake stands to receive an estimated payout of $2,880,000.00.
“This could get Messi @stake.” Drake wrote on his Instagram story.
Lionel Messi aims to lead Argentina to consecutive Copa America finals as they seek to retain their title. Argentina had a flawless group stage performance, defeating Canada (2-0), Chile (1-0), and Peru (2-0) to advance to the knockout rounds. Despite a challenging quarter-final against Ecuador, La Albiceleste emerged victorious, winning 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regular time.
Canada, meanwhile, rebounded from their loss to Argentina by drawing with Chile and defeating Peru 1-0, securing their place in the final eight. In the quarter-finals, they edged past Venezuela with a 4-3 penalty shootout victory after another 1-1 draw in regular time.
Will Lionel Messi play in Copa America 2024 semifinal?
Argentina, having defeated Canada in their last two encounters with a combined score of 7-0, are strong favourites to advance to the 2024 Copa America finals. Argentina’s head coach Lionel Scaloni has hinted at the possibility of starting both Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria in the semi-final against Canada.
While Messi started Argentina’s first two group games against Canada and Chile, he was rested against Peru, sparking concerns about a potential injury. However, Messi played the full 90 minutes in the quarter-final against Ecuador. Scaloni reassured fans about Messi’s fitness, stating, “Messi is fine, he ended the game without any discomfort. He will start tomorrow. Yes, [Messi and Di Maria starting together] that is a possibility.”
Messi, who has yet to score in the tournament, will be eager to break his goal drought against Canada. Despite not finding the net, he provided an assist in Argentina’s 2-0 group stage win over Canada.
