In the opening game of the Copa America 2024 in Atlanta on Friday, defending champion Argentina defeated Canada 2-0. Goals in the second half from strikers Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez cemented the victory.
Argentina defeated Canada 1-0 at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, to start their Copa America 2024 campaign. Goals came from Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez.
Although Argentina's Angel di Maria came the closest to scoring after a driving run from his half, Canada timed its pressing to perfection to create a couple of opportunities in the first half.
Lionel Scaloni’s side made the breakthrough four minutes after the restart as Lionel Messi played a sublime pass to Alexis Mac Allister, who poked it away from advancing Canada goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau and into the path of Alvarez for a simple finish.
Canada pushed hard after going behind, but the introduction of veteran center-back Nicolas Otamendi gave Argentina some much-needed stability at the back before substitute Martinez slotted in from a Messi pass in the 88th minute to wrap up the win.
Lionel Messi was at the center of both goals, creating the first, with Alexis Mac Allister, and setting up Lautaro later in the second half as La Albiceleste cruised to a comfortable victory in its bid for a title defense.