Argentina got their title defense in the United States off to a great start as skipper Lionel Messi pulled all the strings to ensure a comfortable 2-0 victory over tournament debutants Canada in the opening game of the 2024 Copa America. Here are five key takeaways from the game.
1. The defending champions are off to a great start
Argentina started their title defense in the best way possible after seeing off Copa America debutants Canada at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Messi played a significant part in both of La Albiceleste’s goals, splitting the Canada back line in the build-up to Julian Alvarez’s goal before providing the assist for Lautaro Martinez’s clincher. This win creates a strong foundation for the 2022 World Cup winners to build on when they take on Chile in their next game.
2. Canada’s defensive lapses
Canada refused to sit back, and their aggressive approach left them vulnerable at the back early on. Leandro Paredes narrowly missed with a 25-yard effort, and Alvarez saw his shot smothered by Maxime Crepeau after a lightning-fast break sent him clean through on goal. Their lapses in defense were eventually punished when Messi’s precise through ball found Alexis Mac Allister, and although the midfielder was taken out by Crepeau, Alvarez was there to slot the ball into an empty net.
3. Messi is yet to find his scoring boots
The Inter Miami star missed two great chances to get himself on the score sheet and cap his wonderful performance on the night with a much deserved goal. The little magician could have put Argentina two goals up in the 65th minute, but his angled shot was parried by Crepeau, and Derek Cornelius made an excellent block to deny him on the rebound. He then spurned another opportunity when his chipped attempt rolled agonizingly wide.
4. No points for dogged debutants
Making their first appearance at the Copa America, Canada played high-octane football but didn’t secure a positive result. At half-time, the debutants matched Argentina’s tally of seven shots, the most any team has managed in a first half against the Albiceleste since Uruguay’s eight in November 2021. However, Alvarez’s opener four minutes into the second half was a dagger blow, and they couldn’t maintain their high-intensity approach for the full 90 minutes.
5. Landmark appearance for Messi
On Friday, Messi made Copa America history by playing his 35th match in CONMEBOL’s flagship tournament, surpassing Chilean legend Sergio Livingstone for the most appearances in the competition. Unfortunately, the Argentina skipper was unable to mark his landmark appearance with a goal but his performance and contribution in the game was very satisfactory.