Argentina, the defending champion, kicked off its Copa America 2024 campaign with a convincing 2-0 victory over Canada at the Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, United States. The match saw a dominant display from the Argentines, ultimately securing their first win of the tournament.
While Canada managed to create a few opportunities in the first half, Argentina came closest to scoring through Angel di Maria, who missed a golden chance after a powerful run from his own half. The breakthrough for Lionel Scaloni’s side arrived just four minutes into the second half. A sublime pass from Lionel Messi found Alexis Mac Allister, who cleverly poked the ball away from the advancing Canada goalkeeper, Maxime Crepeau, allowing Julian Alvarez to slot in a simple finish for the opening goal.
Despite going behind, Canada pushed hard to find an equalizer, but the introduction of veteran centre-back Nicolas Otamendi provided Argentina with much-needed stability at the back. The match was ultimately sealed in the 88th minute when substitute Lautaro Martinez finished off a brilliant pass from Messi, securing a comfortable 2-0 win for the defending champions. Messi played a pivotal role in both goals, orchestrating the first with a pass to Mac Allister and setting up Martinez for the second, showcasing his undeniable influence on the team.
As Argentina looks to defend their title, this convincing victory against Canada sets a strong foundation for their campaign. The team’s dominant performance showcased their collective strength and individual talent, particularly with Messi’s influence. The Copa America 2024 is shaping up to be a thrilling tournament, with Argentina starting off with a strong statement.
