Argentina is going to play in the 48th edition of the Copa America with the aim of winning the second title in a row. The world champions showed great power and ended the first half in a goalless draw. Angel Di Maria added to the misery by missing an easy chance, as did superstar Lionel Messi in the second half. However, Julián Alvarez was happy to give Argentina the lead after the break. Lautaro Martinez doubled that celebration with a last-minute goal. As a result, Argentina started the Copa with a 2-0 victory against Canada.
Lionel Messi made history as soon as he set foot in Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Argentine captain broke the record of playing the maximum 35 matches in the Copa America so far today (Saturday). He is also the first Albiceleste footballer to play seven Copa seasons. Messi could have made such a milestone match even more memorable had he not missed two easy chances. However, Argentina won both passes by its defenders.
Lionel Scaloni needn't look too far. When he first took charge of the Argentines two years ago, the team was just starting to improve. Argentina won consecutive Copa and World Cups by following his instructions with great strategy, different plans for each match and understanding the situation. After that, Messi-Angel Di Mariara has been getting consistent success in friendly matches and 2026 World Cup selection. This is the form they pulled in the cup.
This year's Copa debut, Canada did not do badly in the first half. They held the Argentines scoreless for the entire half. However, they also missed the opportunity to score. Overall possession and shots were dominated by Argentina. With nearly 65 percent possession, Messi-Martinez took 19 shots, 9 of which were on target. In contrast, Canada can only have two targets of 10 shots.
Canada started the attack, but it was blocked by Argentina's defensive wall. Then in the fifth minute, Leandro Paredes took a counter-attacking shot, but his shot was off target. Angel Di Maria wasted a great chance in the eighth minute. Each attack found Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crapo alone with the ball moving forward from their own half. But he gave disappointment to the fans of Akashi-Sada. Then in the 38th minute, Max Allister headed in a cross from Rodrigo de Paul. But there was not much force in it, as a result, the Canadian goalkeeper took control easily. Emiliano Martínez also has a short test before the break. He blocked the strong shot of the Canadian footballer.
Alvarez scored after the break. However, Messi's pass between two defenders was aimed at McAllister. He was well parried by the goalkeeper, but with the ball out of control, Alvarez, who was at close range, headed the ball into the net for a corner. Then in the 65th and 79th minutes, Messi wasted an easy chance. The first time the ball eluded the goalkeeper but was intercepted by the defender. The next time the Argentina captain evaded the goalkeeper's challenge and took a shot at the far post, which went wide of the post.
Then Lautaro Martinez wasted the opportunity. However, this Inter Milan star doubled the gap for Argentina. Messi provided the ball again this time. Lautaro received a pass from his defenders and sent the ball between the goalkeeper's legs and into the net. And that confirmed Argentina's great start of 2-0 victory.
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