Football News: Argentina Begins Copa América Title Defense with 2-0 Victory over Canada
In the opening match of the 2024 Copa América, Argentina, the defending champions, began their quest for a third consecutive major title with a 2-0 victory over debutants Canada on Thursday night.
Lionel Messi, who turns 37 on Monday, played a pivotal role in the victory, setting up both goals for Argentina. His through ball in the 49th minute led to Julián Álvarez’s opening goal, and he then assisted Lautaro Martínez’s strike in the 88th minute to seal the win.
Messi, making his 35th appearance in the Copa América, a new record, extended his own assists record in the tournament with his 18th. The Argentine superstar created the first goal when he headed a pass through the defense, setting up Álvarez’s simple finish. Messi then ran through the center of the midfield and rolled a pass to Martínez for the second goal.
“Argentina, the reigning Copa América and World Cup champions, are looking to continue their recent dominance in major international tournaments.”
The match, played at a neutral venue in the United States, the second time the Copa América has been held outside of South America, saw Argentina maintain control throughout. Canada, making their Copa América debut, had their best chance in the 43rd minute, but Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez made a crucial save.
Next up for Argentina is a clash with Chile on Tuesday in East Rutherford, New Jersey, followed by a match against Peru on June 29 in Miami Gardens, Florida. Canada, under new American coach Jesse Marsch, will face Peru on Tuesday in Kansas City, Kansas, and then take on Chile on June 29 in Orlando, Florida.
The 2024 Copa América, featuring 14 U.S. stadiums as host venues, will run until June 14, with six nations from North and Central America and the Caribbean joining the 10 South American teams.
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