Argentina picked up where they left off in the Copa America, as the defending champions began their title defence with a 2-0 win over Canada. Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez were on target, but of course Lionel Messi was the star of the show.
Messi became the record appearance maker in the 108-year history of the Copa America, surpassing Chile great Sergio Livingstone by making his 35th appearance in the tournament. The 36-year-old’s excellent record is 22 wins, 10 draws and 3 losses. He has one Copa title. Not much, but there’s more to come.
And while Massi couldn’t get on the scoresheet, he was as influential as ever for La Albiceleste. Messi had a game-high six shots, three of which were on target, amassing an expected goals (xG) value of 0.79. The Inter Miami star also led the game in touches in the opposition box (9) and big chances (2) in a well-rounded performance.
What Messi lacks in finishing ability, he makes up for in creativity.
He created five chances in total, again a match-high figure and at least two more than any other player on the pitch. He had nine more passes in the final third than Rodrigo de Paul, who was second (27). It was Messi’s pass that released Alexis Mac Allister, who was then fouled by Crepeau and opened the door for Alvarez to score Argentina’s 49th-minute opener. And it was Messi who played the pass to substitute Martinez to seal the win late on.
It was Messi’s 17th assist at the Copa America, dating back to his first in the tournament in 2011. Since then, he has provided three times as many assists as any other player in the tournament’s history.
Messi is at the centre of it all, but it’s not like he has to do it all himself. He has great teammates around him. De Paul has been impressive in midfield, while with Alvarez and Martinez, Messi has an excellent supporting cast for this year’s tournament.
At 24 years and 142 days, Alvarez is the youngest player to score in both the World Cup and Copa America since Jose Gimenez did it for Uruguay at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Martinez, meanwhile, has scored in four of his last five Copa America games, the only exception being the 2021 final against Brazil. The Inter striker may have had to settle for a substitute role at the tournament, but he has now scored three goals in his last two games for his country and could be a contender for the Golden Boot.
After all, Argentina are the best team in the world and coach Lionel Scaloni has, by some measures, the strongest squad, something Brazil lack in key players Casemiro, Gabriel Jesus and Richarlison, as well as their talisman Neymar, even if Vinicius Junior is an excellent replacement.
There is one notable detail: this is the first time under Scaloni that Argentina have won their opening match at a major tournament, after losing 0-2 to Colombia in the 2019 Copa America, drawing 1-1 with Chile in the 2021 tournament, and then losing 1-2 to Saudi Arabia at the 2022 World Cup.
This time, they’re on the right track. The upcoming games against Chile and Peru won’t be a difficult hurdle to overcome, especially with Messi ready.
