Soccer, Copa America – Argentina defeats Canada (2-0) and begins its match on the best foot

The entire stadium had eyes just for him and it was from Messi that the answer got here, with a full axis cross on the origin of Argentina’s first purpose which beat Canada 2-0 , opening the Copa America on Thursday in Atlanta. The reigning world champions, favorites to carry the continental trophy a second time in a row, are thus launching their American summer season in an excellent method.

The Messi gang waited till the locker room returned to open the scoring. The cross from “La Pulga” left the Canadian goalkeeper sheepish, popping out late, and who collapsed after a collision with Argentine midfielder Mac Allister. Julian Alvarez, Manchester Metropolis’s pocket striker, simply needed to push the ball to the again of the empty cage to launch the Albiceleste (1-0, forty ninth).

A vigorous however imprecise Messi on the assault entrance got here shut to creating the break with somewhat dive proper subsequent to the submit (79th) and a pointy counterattack (82nd). Canada was not unworthy, with its captain Alphonso Davies who multiplied the excesses within the first interval. A stunning acceleration and the Bayern Munich full-back goes left and middle for Canadian midfielder Buchanan who shoots large (thirty second).

A brand new document for Messi

A primary thrill for the reds who pushed two minutes later with one other drive from Davies. His middle again discovered Lille’s Jonathan David, his shot was blocked. “We knew what Canada was able to. It was a really powerful, very bodily match, particularly within the first half, there was little house. Fortuitously, we discovered the answer shortly within the second half and we have been in a position to play somewhat higher,” mentioned Lionel Messi after the match.

Lionel Messi, grow to be probably the most capped participant within the historical past of the Copa America towards Canada, June 21, 2024

Argentina knew the right way to speed up when vital and the second act of the match was certainly one-way, topped by Inter Milan scorer Lautaro Martinez, who entered within the 76th minute for the primary scorer, and who dampened hopes Canadians on the finish of the match (88th). The Argentine followers, who got here to populate the cauldron of Atlanta and its 70,564 spectators, might let their pleasure explode whereas Messi threw himself into the arms of his teammates.

Disadvantaged of a purpose, the eight-time Golden Ball winner nonetheless celebrated his group’s victory. And one other, extra symbolic: that of probably the most capped participant within the Copa. That is the thirty fifth look of the Argentine genius within the Continental Cup, which he gained in 2021 and which he intends to carry once more on July 14 in Miami. To do that, the reigning champions should face powerful competitors, beginning with Chile in 5 days.