Lionel Messi contributed an assist to help Argentina win 2-0 against Canada in the opening match of Copa America 2024.
Argentina starting lineup
Argentina fans arrived at Mercedes-Benz Stadium before kick-off
Canada’s starting lineup
Messi finished
Cornelius promptly blocked the ball after Messi’s curling effort in the penalty area. The person who passed the ball to Messi was “bodyguard” Rodrigo De Paul.
Messi initiated
Messi passed a long ball to Marcos Acuna, but the Argentine defender’s subsequent cross was not good enough.
1-0 cho Argentina
Mac Allister entered the penalty area but was fouled by goalkeeper Crepeau. The Liverpool midfielder still managed to get the ball to Alvarez’s position, allowing the Man City striker to tap the ball into an empty net. Mac Allister was hurt while trying to set up Alvarez.
Alvarez sublimated
Julian Alvarez handled delicately in the penalty area, then finished forcing the opponent’s goalkeeper to dive to save the goal. The Argentinian striker is excited after the opening goal.
Messi missed
From goalkeeper Martinez’s long pass, Messi accelerated and shot diagonally, but could not beat goalkeeper Crepeau. The ball bounced out, Messi calmly tricked Crepeau and hit midfielder Cornelius.
Messi is in pain
Messi was lying on the field in pain after midfielder Bombito hit the ball with the bottom of his shoe. After a few minutes of medical care, the Argentinian superstar stood up to continue playing.
2-0 cho Argentina
Messi poked the ball just within range for Lautaro Martinez to escape and finish through the legs of the Canadian goalkeeper, doubling the gap for Argentina.
The match is over
Messi missed a free kick opportunity in the last seconds, but Argentina still won 2-0. A good start for the defending champion at Copa America 2024.
