Argentina Dominates Canada With a Big Victory In Copa America
Pic Credits: Argentina/X
World Champions Argentina began their Copa America 2024 campaign with a 2-0 win over Canada in the United States. Lionel Messi and his side are the defending champions of the Copa America and began their tournament in style. Two goals in the second half registered three points for the South American nation.
In 2021, Lionel Messi won his first major title with the Argentina national team. LaSelección has won this honor 15 times, along with Uruguay. They have failed to win the tournament since 1993. Messi showed his magic and led his nation to their 15th title after losing back-to-back finals to Chile.
16 teams are participating in the 2024 edition of the tournament. Argentina is part of Group A along with Canada, Chile, and Peru. The World Champions are the favorites to lift the continental crown, along with Brazil. They have a strong squad full of players who lifted the crown in Qatar.
Lionel Scaloni named a strong squad for the tournament’s opener. The FIFA World Cup Golden Glove winner, Emi Martinez, started in goal. Marcos Acuna, Lisandro Martinez, Cristian Romero, and Nahuel Molina completed the back four. Alexis Mac Allister, Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, and Angel Di Maria sat in the midfield. Lionel Messi led the attack, along with youngster Julian Alvarez.
Canada also played in a 4-4-2 formation. The likes of Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David added some European experience to this Canadian side.
Argentina began the match with more possession. It was an end-to-end game in the first half. Despite Argentina’s dominance, both teams attempted seven shots each. The first half ended in a goalless draw.
The defending champions took just four minutes in the second half to take the lead. The Premier League duo of Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez combined for the first goal. Liverpool’s midfielder created the chance for the Manchester City man, who converted the opportunity from within the six-yard box.
Scolani made a few changes to the setup of the team. He introduced three players around the 70th and 80th minute marks. The match was approaching a 1-0 finish, but Inter Milan’s captain had other plans. Lautaro Martinez had replaced Julian Alvarez towards the end of the match. He stepped up and scored the second goal in the 88th minute. Lionel Messi was the creator of the second goal.
This was a perfect start for Argentina in their run for the 16th Copa America title. They face Chile in the next match at MetLife Stadium. The final group game will be played against Peru at the Hard Rock Stadium.
Other big names are also set to take the big stage in the upcoming matches. The likes of Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Luis Suarez, James Rodriguez, and other superstars will also aim to lift the continental glory. Argentina and Messi will face a tough challenge this time. This cup promises to bring a lot of excitement to the fans and players.
Keywords: Argentina, Copa America, Copa America 2024, Lionel Messi
