Argentina started their Copa America title defense with a strong 2-0 victory over Canada. The game saw Lionel Messi shining once again as he provided crucial assists for both goals. Messi set a new Copa America record by playing in his 35th match and extending his own record with his 18th assist.
The first goal came in the 49th minute when Messi delivered a perfect through ball to Julián Álvarez, who found the back of the net. The second goal was scored by Lautaro Martínez in the 88th minute, with Messi once again providing the assist. Despite his contributions, Messi himself missed a few chances to score during the game.
Argentina’s victory marks the beginning of their quest for a third straight major title, following their Copa America win in 2021 and World Cup triumph in 2022. The team will face Chile next before concluding the first round against Peru. Canada, on the other hand, will take on Peru and Chile in their remaining group stage matches.
The tournament is being hosted in 14 different stadiums across the United States, with the final set to take place in Miami Gardens. This year’s Copa America features six nations from Concacaf in addition to the 10 South American teams. Despite slow starts in their previous tournaments, Argentina managed to emerge victorious, showcasing their resilience and determination.
Canada, under the guidance of American coach Jesse Marsch, made their Copa America debut in this match. The game was played on grass at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which was installed after a MLS game on artificial turf. Argentina made some changes to their lineup from the World Cup final, introducing new faces to the squad.
Overall, Argentina’s win over Canada sets a positive tone for their Copa America campaign as they aim to defend their title once again. With Messi leading the charge, the team will look to build on this strong start and continue their winning streak in the tournament.