Watch Argentina vs Canada full match replay and highlights.
KICK-OFF at 00:00 (GMT) on 21st June 2024
The referee for this match is J. Valenzuela
Game played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
This is a match in South America – CONMEBOL Copa America, Group A, Season 2024
Argentina Defeats Canada 2-0 in Copa América 2024 Opener
Defending champions Argentina started their 2024 Copa América campaign with a solid 2-0 victory over tournament debutants Canada at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. This match kicked off the 48th edition of the Copa América, hosted by the United States over the next three-and-a-half weeks.
First Half: Early Chances and Canadian Resilience
Argentina began assertively, with Leandro Paredes nearly opening the scoring with a long-range effort that just missed the target. Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau was quickly put to the test, rushing out to thwart Ángel Di María’s one-on-one attempt. Despite Argentina’s pressure, Canada grew into the game. Around the 30-minute mark, Tajon Buchanan missed a golden opportunity to score, misdirecting his shot wide after a smart touch inside the area. Stephen Eustáquio then forced Emiliano Martínez into a close-range save, with Alphonso Davies skying the rebound, giving Canada confidence heading into halftime.
Second Half: Argentina’s Clinical Edge
Argentina’s experience and quality shone through early in the second half. Within four minutes, Lionel Messi’s brilliant pass set up Alexis Mac Allister, who collided with Crépeau, leaving Julián Álvarez to slot the ball into an empty net. Álvarez nearly doubled the lead shortly after, but Crépeau made a crucial save to keep Canada in the game.
Messi, instrumental in Argentina’s play, missed a rare chance to extend the lead, lofting the ball over both Crépeau and the goal. However, Messi redeemed himself in the 88th minute, providing an assist for substitute Lautaro Martínez, who sealed the victory with a powerful finish.
Key Highlights
- Argentina’s Dominance: Argentina demonstrated their quality, controlling the game and creating numerous chances.
- Lionel Messi: Despite a missed opportunity, Messi’s playmaking abilities were crucial, including a decisive assist for the second goal.
- Canadian Resilience: Canada showed moments of promise, particularly in the first half, but were ultimately outclassed by the experienced Argentine side.
Looking Ahead
- Argentina: With this win, Argentina extended their impressive record, having lost just two of their last 55 matches. They have five days to prepare for their next game against Chile.
- Canada: The defeat means Canada must secure a result in their next match against Peru to keep their hopes of progressing to the quarter-finals alive.
Argentina’s victory not only showcased their talent and depth but also set a strong tone for their title defense in this tournament.