Argentina beat Canada 2-0 in the opening match of the Copa America.
The short version
- Argentina beat Canada 2-0 in the opening match of the Copa America.
- Lionel Messi provided the assist for the second goal, but did not score.
- Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martínez scored for Argentina.
- The victory gives Argentina a perfect start in Group A.
Lionel Messi – who turns 37 on Monday – did not score in Atlanta in the United States, but placed the pass on goal for substitute Lautaro Martínez just before the end.
It was his 18th assist in the Copa America. Thus, Messi improved his own record in the tournament. But he also missed serious chances to get on the scoresheet, including a double chance.
Argentina had to wait until the second half before opening the score in the Copa America. Manchester City player Julian Alvarez gave Argentina the lead in the 49th minute. Even then, Messi was involved.
The Argentine star headed a ball towards Alexis Mac Allister, who served Alvarez.
Between the two goals, Lionel Messi was badly tackled by Canadian defender Moïse Bombito, but got up after receiving medical treatment on the pitch.
Argentina are the defending champions and are seeking their third consecutive title after winning the Copa America in 2021 and World Cup gold the following year.
The 2-0 victory in the opening match gives Argentina a perfect start in Group A. After the meeting with Canada, Chile (Tuesday) and Peru (next Saturday), it is the turn of Messi and his compatriots.
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