The opportunity came for the Argentina team right in the first minutes of the opening match of Copa America 2024. But when facing the goalkeeper, Di Maria failed to finish. Right after that, it was Messi’s turn to send the ball wide of the post.
2 missed shots in the first minutes signaled an open and attractive match, but it was accompanied by the lack of luck of the strikers on both sides. Even though they had to face the defending World Cup champions, the Canadian team still entered the game with confidence and was ready to push their pressing team all the way to the opponent’s penalty area.
![CHÍNH THỨC] Danh sách, đội hình tuyển Argentina ở Copa America 2024](https://library.sportingnews.com/styles/crop_style_16_9_desktop/s3/2023-03/nba-plain--86438c5f-5cbf-4647-b87a-5bf1d65993bc.png?itok=62_jf0dZ)
Opportunities continuously appeared for both teams. But the strikers constantly make fans hold their heads in regret, from Messi, Di Maria, Mac Allister to Eustaquio, Alphonso Davies and Julian Alvarez. Statistics show that 13 shots were launched in the first half but no goals were scored.
However, at the beginning of the second half, the balance was broken. The person who “triggered” the situation was none other than Messi.
It was also Messi who was the architect of the goal that sealed Argentina’s 2-0 victory. The former Barcelona star made a convenient pass for Lautaro Martinez to score in a face-to-face position with the goalkeeper.
As sharp as he is in creating, Messi also missed many opportunities to score goals. In the second half, he failed to beat the Canadian goalkeeper at least twice despite having a favorable finishing position.
Anyway, the score of 2-0 can still help the Argentine team be satisfied. A smooth start for Messi and his teammates in their journey to defend the Copa America championship. Although there are still “out of rhythm” moments, in general the system that coach Scaloni built is still operating well two years after his World Cup coronation.
