Defending champion Argentina overcome resilient Canada in opener of Copa America 2024

Lionel Scaloni’s side defeated Canada 2-0 with goals from Alvarez and Martinez.

Champions Argentina kicked off the 2024 Copa America curtain-raiser against tournament newbies Canada at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in an exciting contest.

Argentina started the match on the front foot as they put the debutants, Canada, under some early tournament pressure. After surviving the Argentine barrage in the opening minutes, Canada looked to get some foothold on the game.

La Albiceleste kept knocking on the door with chance after chance, but the Canadian defensive setup stood rock solid to keep the game level. Except for a single Emiliano Martinez heroic save, it was all Argentina in control but nothing to show for in terms of goals. Both Messi and Di Maria looked dangerous in play, but with the scoreline still level at 0-0, Jesse Marsch and his Canada side went into the half-time break as the happier of the two sides.

This happiness was, however, short-lived, as just four minutes into the second half, Argentina found the breakthrough in the form of a well-taken goal by Julian Alvarez, giving them a much-deserved 1-0 lead in the game.

Canada thought they were back level in the game when Lille forward Jonathan David flashed a header a few yards high and wide of the goal. Just a few minutes later, Canada howled for a potential penalty when winger Jacob Shaffelburg got taken down by an Argentine defender. However, on replay, it showed that the foul was committed just outside the box, resulting in no penalty. Jesse Marsch’s side was slowly but surely getting back into this game.

Despite all their valiant efforts, Argentina put the game to bed when substitute Lautaro Martinez scored his side’s second goal in the 88th minute, courtesy of a crisp Lionel Messi assist, to give them a comfortable 2-0 lead in the dying minutes of the match.

Argentina emerged 2-0 winners at the end against an impressive debut showing by Canada to seal all three points and go top of Group A for now.

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