Lionel Messi shines as Argentina defeats Canada 2-0 in Copa America opener

In the opening match of the 2024 Copa America, defending champions Argentina secured a 2-0 victory over Canada. The match, held in Atlanta, saw Argentina dominating possession and creating numerous chances throughout the game.

The first half was tightly contested, with Canada holding their own against the star-studded Argentine side. Despite Argentina’s efforts, Canada’s defense remained resilient, denying the South American giants any clear-cut opportunities.

The breakthrough came early in the second half when Lionel Messi played a crucial role in setting up Julian Alvarez for the opening goal. Messi’s precise pass found Alexis Mac Allister, who cleverly flicked the ball into Alvarez’s path, allowing the Manchester City forward to tap the ball into an empty net.

As the match progressed, Canada continued to threaten on the counter-attack, with Jonathan David and Stephen Eustaquio both squandering headed opportunities from close range. However, Argentina’s defense held firm, limiting Canada to just two shots on goal.

In the 88th minute, Messi once again showcased his brilliance, providing a sublime assist for Lautaro Martinez. The Inter Milan forward made no mistake, calmly slotting the ball under the onrushing Canadian goalkeeper to seal the victory for Argentina.

Despite the scoreline, Canada can take pride in their performance against the reigning Copa America champions. The 48th-ranked Canadians did not look out of place in the high-profile game and will look to build on this performance in their upcoming matches.

For Argentina, this victory serves as a solid start to their title defense. With the likes of Messi, Alvarez, and Martinez in their ranks, the Albiceleste will be confident of their chances of retaining the Copa America crown.

The match also saw Lionel Messi making history, as he became the player with the most appearances in the Copa America, surpassing the previous record held by Chilean goalkeeper Sergio Livingstone since 1953.

As the tournament progresses, both Argentina and Canada will be looking to build on their performances in this opening match. With the quality of football on display, the 2024 Copa America promises to be an exciting and competitive tournament.