Argentina defeated Canada 2-0 in the opening match of Copa America 2024.
On the morning of June 21 (Vietnam time), Argentina will face Canada in the opening match at Copa America 2024. Albiceleste is the defending champion of the tournament, while their opponent is only participating for the first time. this playground.
Accordingly, Lionel Messi also became the player with the most appearances in the history of Copa America tournaments when participating in this year’s tournament. He played in the main squad with teammates Di Maria, Romero, De Paul, Allister, Julian…
The first 45 minutes passed without a goal being scored. Argentina was the team with the first shot in the first half with Leandro Paredes’ long-range shot going over the crossbar in the 5th minute.
Messi unfortunately missed an opportunity in the first half. Photo: Copa America
Di Maria also had an unfortunate miss when accelerating and skillfully overcoming Canadian defenders but could not beat goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau in a face-off.
In the 18th minute, Messi also missed the opportunity to put Argentina ahead when he made a diagonal shot, but was blocked by the opponent’s defender before the goal line.
However, the defending champion got what he wanted right at the beginning of the second half.
Messi poked through the ball so Mac Allister escaped and eliminated the Canadian goalkeeper, opening up the opportunity for Alvarez to score into the empty net to help Argentina open the match in the 49th minute.
The trio of Messi, Allister, and Alvarez continued to cause the Canadian defense many difficulties in the following period. Coach Jesse Marsch’s team had two dangerous aerial situations in front of Argentina’s goal but could not equalize.
Martinez scored the winning goal in a 2-0 victory for Argentina. Photo: Copa America
The end of Canada’s efforts came when Argentina doubled their lead. In the 88th minute, it was Messi who cleverly poked the ball so that Lautaro Martinez could score delicately through the gap between goalkeeper Crepeau’s legs.
The 2-0 victory over Canada in the opening match gave Argentina confidence in the journey to defend its throne. Messi and his teammates will have their second match against Chile on June 26.
Messi has the 18th assist in Copa America history. Photo: Copa America
