Argentina fought out a 2-0 win against Canada in the opening fixture of the Copa America 2024. The defending champions are one of the favorites to win the tournament and they started the game the same way. The La Albiceleste had the chance of opening the scoring in the 9th minute of the game after Angel Di Maria's glorious opening was denied by Maxime Crepeau's excellent positioning who kept the score 0-0.
The defending Copa America and World Cup champions, lacked sharpness, while Crepeau proved a formidable custodian for the side denying sure goalscoring opportunities for the champions. Although Jesse Marsch's Canadian team put up a strong fight and had a few excellent scoring opportunities, Alphonso Davies was missing his finishing touches. The first half ended in a scoreless draw between the two teams, and the champions' took the game lightly, and that cost them their lack of sharpness in and around the box.
The game was fluid for the side but the finishing was missing. However, Julian Alvarez broke the deadlock in the 49th minute of the game, with the Manchester City striker's first goal ever in the competition and his first for La Albiceleste since his semifinal brace against Croatia at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Emiliano Martinez also was busy in the game, as the Aston Villa goalkeeper denied one golden opportunity of Jonathan David.
Argentina strike twice in the second half
Messi who got an open chance of doubling the lead tried a cheeky chip to the Canadian goalie. Derek Cornelius, his center-back, fortunately, stopped the attempt and limited their lead to just one goal. The ball was subsequently sent through to Messi again on goal, but he lofted it unusually high over the keeper and wide of the post.
The Argentine captain made a record by appearing in his 35th game in the major tournament for the three-time World Cup winners. Finally, Lautaro Martinez turned out to be the super-sub after he slotted the inch-perfect pass from the former FC Barcelona footballer, through the legs of the Canadian goalkeeper to double their lead and secure victory on the opening night.
Here's how fans reacted
Just saw Argentina vs Canada, Both teams had moments Canada was not bad but argentina was too much, had a lot of chances and should of scored more especially messi who did not have that good of a game but was still one of the best on the field. Canada can do well in this copa.
— Cronos (@CraigVenden) June 21, 2024
If Messi🐐 doesn’t score, he will assist. Easy for him 👏🏼
— World Best1 (@Th3Better1) June 21, 2024
Still the goat https://t.co/KaWmVcZu9x
— CHI🐉☯️ 💙 ❤️ (@jake_chowman) June 21, 2024
World Champions are the BEST ⚽️🔥
— AlexeyWeb3 (@AlexeyWeb3) June 21, 2024
Well done ✅
— Captain Singh, FICArb, 73K (@captsingh) June 21, 2024
That was a great pass by Messi
— Liverpool Fan (@liverpoolfcsyd) June 21, 2024
Vamoos argentina carajo
— Pablo (@pabircher) June 21, 2024
Messi the Magician 🎩 🐰 🪄
— Moe Deportes (@MoeDeportes) June 21, 2024