Argentina’s national team had a strong start in the 2024 Copa América with a 2-0 victory over Canada. However, the team was not pleased with the conditions of the pitch at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez described the newly installed grass surface as a “disaster,” while manager Lionel Scaloni criticized the poor planning that led to the subpar field.
Despite the win, Scaloni expressed his disappointment with the pitch, comparing it to the conditions faced by Saudi Arabia in the 2022 World Cup. He emphasized that the field was not suitable for the players and highlighted the impact it had on the game.
The criticism extended to Canada defender Kamal Miller, who likened the pitch to walking on a hollow stage. The players’ dissatisfaction with the playing surface raised concerns about the quality of the tournament and the level of competition it would offer compared to other major championships like the European Championship.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home to both the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons and MLS’ Atlanta United FC, had recently switched from an artificial surface to natural grass for the Copa América. However, the last-minute change did not meet the expectations of the teams participating in the tournament.
Despite the challenges posed by the pitch, a crowd of 70,564 spectators attended the opening match, setting the stage for an exciting tournament ahead. The United States is set to play Panama at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium later in the competition, showcasing the venue’s versatility in hosting major sporting events.
Looking ahead, Argentina will face Chile at MetLife Stadium, while Canada will take on Peru, both matches scheduled for Tuesday. The teams will have to adapt to the different playing conditions as they continue their journey in the Copa América.
The criticism of the pitch highlights the importance of proper planning and maintenance in ensuring a fair and competitive environment for teams in international tournaments. As the competition progresses, teams will need to adjust their strategies and gameplay to overcome challenges both on and off the field.