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 created the first dangerous opportunity. In the 8th minute, Di Maria won the ball in his own half and launched a quick counterattack. Facing goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau, the former PSG star failed to convert the chance.

As the game progressed, Canada displayed a combative style and wasn’t afraid of physical contact. The team in red closely marked Messi, giving the 36-year-old superstar little room to maneuver. Messi’s most notable moment came in the 18th minute when his shot from a tight angle in the penalty area was blocked by defender Derek Cornelius.

Canada not only defended well but also posed threats in attack, particularly through captain Alphonso Davies’s bursts of speed down the left wing. By the end of the first half, the score remained 0-0.

In the second half, Argentina picked up the pace and, in the 49th minute, broke the deadlock. Lionel Scaloni’s team found the breakthrough with Messi providing a delicate pass for Mac Allister to enter the penalty area. The Liverpool midfielder was fouled by goalkeeper Crepeau, but the ball fell to Alvarez, who easily slotted it 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.