Argentina started their Copa America defense with a comfortable 2-0 win over Canada at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
Lionel Messi’s start meant that he became the first player in Copa America history to start 35 games in the tournament.
Argentina started the game on the front foot with Angel Di Maria missing a glorious chance to put the defending champions in front when he made a brilliant run from his own half but the effort was saved by Maxime Crepeau.
Canada themselves had a chance to take the lead when Alphonso Davies made a darting run and fired a cross into Argentina’s box but Tajon Buchanan’s shot ended up wide.
Argentina took the lead after the restart when Lionel Messi made a brilliant pass to Alexis Mac Allister who poked the ball to Julian Alvarez. The Manchester City striker made no mistake from close range to put La Albiceleste in front.
After falling behind Canada understandably went all out in search of an equalizer. As the gaps opened in Canada’s defense Messi made a fine assist to substitute Lautaro Martinez to wrap up the three points for Argentina.
Despite the win, everything did not go smoothly for Argentina as Messi faced an injury scare late in the second half. The Inter Miami forward was challenged by Moïse Bombito with a sliding tackle. Messi had to be attended by Argentina’s medical staff but thankfully there was no lasting harm done as the 36-year-old came back onto the pitch shortly.
With this win, Argentina become the first team in 2024 Copa America to register three points on the board. They will now face Chile in their second group match at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on 25 June.
Canada’s second game will be against Peru on 25 June at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas.
Are Argentina favorites to win the Copa America again?
Argentina are once again tipped to win the Copa America given the quality and depth of the squad. The match against Canada was a glimpse of the work that Lionel Scaloni has done with the team. La Albiceleste are the current Copa America defending champions and the FIFA World Cup champions and would look to continue their golden period by defending their continental title.
With other Copa America giants, Brazil struggling with their football, and star player Neymar sidelined due to injury, Argentina would definitely rub their hands to lift the title again.
Uruguay and Colombia are the other teams that would fancy their chances to go all the way and it remains to be seen whether they can stop the juggernauts of Argentina.
Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
