The Copa América 2024 kicked off on Thursday with defending champions Argentina and Lionel Messi taking down Canada, 2-0, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
In the opening match of Copa America 2024, Argentina defeated Canada 2-0 when superstar Lionel Messi contributed to both goals. This victory helps the defending champion have a smooth start in the journey to defend the championship.
After the opening whistle, Canada entered the game with enthusiasm. However, it was Argentina who had the first dangerous opportunity. In the 8th minute, Di Maria won the ball in his own half. He organized a quick counterattack. However, facing goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau, the former PSG star failed to finish.
In the time that followed, Canada showed discomfort with a fierce style of play and was not afraid of contact. The red shirt team closely followed Messi, leaving the 36-year-old superstar without much space to act. The most notable situation that Messi had came in the 18th minute, when his kick from a tight angle in the penalty area was blocked by defender Derek Cornelius.
In this match, Canada not only defended well, but their attacks were also potentially dangerous, especially from the acceleration and sweeping situations of captain Alphonso Davies on the left wing. At the end of the first 45 minutes, the two teams tied 0-0.
In the second half, Argentina accelerated and in the 49th minute, Lionel Scaloni’s team found a goal to break the balance. None other than Messi himself created the difference with a delicate pass for Mac Allister to enter the penalty area. The Liverpool midfielder was fouled by goalkeeper Crepeau, but the ball reached Alvarez’s position and the striker easily cushioned the ball into the Canadian goal.
This clearing goal helped Argentina get excited and then create many dangerous attacks. In the 65th minute, Messi escaped and finished in an empty position but could not convert into a goal. Canada also had its own opportunities but unfortunately did not take advantage of them successfully. As a result, they had to receive another bitter blow in the 88th minute when Messi assisted the substitute striker to escape and finish through Crepeau’s legs to double the gap for Argentina.
In the end, Argentina defeated Canada 2-0 in the opening match of Copa America 2024, thereby getting off to a smooth start in Group A. In the second match, Argentina will face Chile at 8:00 a.m. on June 26.
Argentina: E. Martinez, Acuna (Tagliafico 89′), Romero, L.Martinez, Molina (Montiel 89′), Paredes (Otamendi 77′), De Paul, Mac Allister, Di Maria (Lo Celso 68′ ), Messi, Alvarez (Lautaro 76′).Canada: Crepeau, Davies, Cornelius, Bombito, Johnston, Millar (Russell-Rowe 85′), Eustaquio, Kone (Osorio 85′), Buchanan (Shaffelburg 59′), Larin (Laryea 80′), David.