Copa America: Argentina get winning start to title defense against Canada
In a highly anticipated Copa America Group A clash at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Argentina secured a 2-0 victory over Canada to get their title defense off to a winning start.
The match, which kicked off at 1:00 am, saw Argentina dominate possession and display their superior skills, ultimately leading to their win.
The first half ended goalless despite several attempts from both sides. Argentina came closest in the 45th minute when Julián Álvarez’s left-footed shot narrowly missed the target, following a setup by Lionel Messi.
Argentina broke the deadlock early in the second half. In the 49th minute, Julián Álvarez capitalized on a precise pass from Alexis Mac Allister, slotting the ball into the bottom right corner to put Argentina ahead 1-0.
The World Champions doubled their lead in the 88th minute when Lautaro Martínez found the back of the net. Lionel Messi provided the assist with a brilliant through ball, and Martínez made no mistake, scoring from the center of the box.
Key moments included a powerful left-footed shot from Messi in the 90’+6 minute, which was saved by Canada’s goalkeeper, denying him a goal in the dying moments of the match. Derek Cornelius of Canada received a yellow card in the 90’+4 minute for a bad foul on Messi, who won a free kick in the attacking half.
Argentina made several key substitutions, including the introduction of Nicolás Tagliafico and Gonzalo Montiel, who replaced Marcos Acuña and Nahuel Molina, respectively. Canada also made tactical changes, bringing on Jacen Russell-Rowe and Jonathan Osorio in an attempt to change the game’s dynamics.
In addition to Cornelius’s yellow card, Ismaël Koné (Canada) was booked for a bad foul in the 81st minute, and Giovani Lo Celso (Argentina) was shown a yellow card in the 90’+1 minute for a foul on Alphonso Davies.
Despite Canada’s efforts, including a few late attempts by Alphonso Davies and Jacob Shaffelburg, Argentina’s defense held firm. The match concluded with Argentina claiming a well-deserved 2-0 victory, securing vital points in their quest to retain the Copa America title.
