"My mind is wrapped totally around giving our team a chance to not just have a special experience, but a real special victory," Marsch told a press conference.

Messi returned to action on Thursday in Argentina's quarter-final win against Ecuador after missing the final group-stage match due to injury. He played the entire game, but looked physically hampered.

"We're going to face the best team in the world in the semi-finals. We're excited about it," Marsch said after Friday's win.

The tournament brings together 10 South American teams and six from North and Central America and the Caribbean in the second Copa hosted by the United States.

"I've played against him [Messi], coached against him a few times and had some successes, but he always finds ways to make a difference because his quality is so amazing. So, that'll be the challenge for us," said Canada head coach Jesse Marsch.