Opening Match: Argentina vs Canada – Copa America 2024

Messi Leads Argentina to 2-0 Victory Over Canada in Copa America Title Defense Opener
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
Thursday, June 20th, 2024
Updated 10:30 PM MST, June 20, 2024
ATLANTA (OleMundo.com) — Lionel Messi’s masterful playmaking led Argentina to a victorious start in their Copa America title defense, securing a 2-0 win against Canada on a challenging surface at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Argentina’s Strong Performance in Copa America 2024 Opener

Messi’s precise through ball set up Julián Álvarez’s goal in the 49th minute, and later he assisted Lautaro Martínez’s goal in the 88th minute, ensuring Argentina’s victory on Thursday night.

Argentina, aiming for their third consecutive major title following the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 World Cup, dominated possession with 65% and made 606 passes with a 91% accuracy rate. Despite a goalless first half, they outshot Canada 12-3 in the second half, finishing the match with 19 shots, 9 on goal.

Concerns Over Playing Surface at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Coach Lionel Scaloni and goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez both expressed concerns about the grass surface, newly installed for the match. Scaloni remarked on the field conditions, highlighting the challenges it posed, while Martínez described it as a “disaster,” comparing it to a springboard due to the ball’s unpredictable bounces.

Record-Breaking Performance by Messi

A crowd of 70,564 witnessed the opening of the 32-game tournament, which continues with the United States playing Panama at the stadium on June 27.

Messi, celebrating his 37th birthday soon, set a Copa America record by playing his 35th match, surpassing Chile’s Sergio Livingstone. He also extended his record with his 18th assist.

Key Moments in Argentina vs Canada Match

The first goal emerged from a sequence where Messi, following a throw-in, headed a pass to Alexis Mac Allister. Mac Allister then assisted Álvarez, who found the net past a sliding defender and an onrushing goalkeeper, Maxime Crépeau. Lautaro Martínez sealed the win with a clinical finish after a perfectly weighted pass from Messi.

Despite Canada’s efforts, including a few promising chances in the first half and two shots on goal, they were unable to convert. New captain Alphonso Davies acknowledged their defensive efforts but emphasized the need to capitalize on scoring opportunities at this level.

Messi had additional opportunities to score but was thwarted by Crépeau’s saves and a crucial block by defender Derek Cornelius.

Upcoming Matches for Argentina and Canada

Looking ahead, Argentina will face Chile in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and conclude the first round against Peru in Miami Gardens, Florida. Canada will play Peru in Kansas City, Kansas, before finishing the group stage against Chile in Orlando, Florida.

Fourteen U.S. stadiums are hosting this year’s tournament, which features 10 South American teams and six teams from North and Central America and the Caribbean, similar to the centennial Copa America in 2016.

Resilient Start for Argentina in Major Tournaments

Despite slow starts in previous tournaments, Argentina has shown resilience, previously bouncing back from early setbacks in the 2022 World Cup and the 2021 Copa America.

Canada’s Debut Under New Coach Jesse Marsch

Canada, under new coach Jesse Marsch, made its Copa America debut but has yet to score in three matches. Marsch emphasized the importance of growth and confidence moving forward, despite the disappointing result.

Argentina’s Lineup and Key Saves

Argentina started with a strong lineup, including eight players from their 2022 World Cup final victory. Emiliano Martínez made a crucial save in the 43rd minute, showcasing his skill by deflecting a dangerous header from Stephen Eustáquio.

After the match, Alphonso Davies expressed admiration for Messi, exchanging jerseys as a token of respect.

Final Match Stats

Argentina Statistics:

Shots Taken: 19
Shots on Goal: 9
Time of Possession: 65%
Passes Made: 606
Pass Accuracy: 91%
Corner Kicks: 7
Offsides: 1
Fouls: 15
Saves: 2
Yellow Cards: 2

Canada Statistics:

Shots Taken: 10
Shots on Goal: 2
Time of Possession: 35%
Passes Made: 328
Pass Accuracy: 81%
Corner Kicks: 4
Offsides: 1
Fouls: 9
Saves: 6
Yellow Cards: 2

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