Jacob Shaffelburg, the 'Marine Messi' of Canada, has become a key player for Jesse Marsch’s lineup after starting the Copa America on the bench. Instrumental in securing his team’s place in the semifinals against Venezuela, he is now set to face the real Lionel Messi for a spot in the final.

Canada has reached the tournament’s semifinals with only two goals scored, an unprecedented feat in the current competition format, and Shaffelburg has been involved in both.

Against Venezuela, the Nashville MLS winger scored the opening goal, which eventually led to a penalty shootout victory. Besides the goal, he was a constant threat down Jon Aramburu’s left flank with his electric pace and flowing curls.

On the same flank, Canada also boasts their captain and star, Alphonso Davies.

"He’s giving everything in every match," commented his teammate Alistair Johnston after the game.

Canada had qualified for the quarterfinals with a solitary group stage victory against Peru, a match where Shaffelburg came off the bench to deliver a sublime, difficult first-touch assist to Jonathan David’s goal. That pass earned him a starting spot.

Living up to his nickname, the 'Marine Messi' has been a guiding light for a Canadian team struggling with goal-scoring issues.