- Argentina wins the first match of the 48th edition of the old national team tournament in the world. .
- Lionel Messi breaks yet another record during his astounding career.
Highlights
- Julian Alvarez scores his first ever CONMEBOL Copa América goal.
- Canada gives a strong effort in their first ever match at the tournament.
- Leo Messi breaks the record for the most matches played at the oldest national team tournament in the world
Match summary
In a packed and sold-out Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, Colombian recording artist Feid kicked off the fiesta that is CONMEBOL Copa América™ just before the opening match between defending champions Argentina and tournament debutants Canada.
The first half of the match continued the party atmosphere into the night. In the 8’, Angel Di Maria latched onto a loose ball following a Canadian corner kick, and dribbled it from his own half all the way to the Canadian penalty box where goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau made a brilliant one on one save to deny Argentina the first goal of the tournament.
Then in the 43’ came Canada’s best chance of the match so far. Cyle Larin whipped in a beautiful cross to Stephan Eustaquio who was waiting in the box. The Canadian vice captain headed the ball towards goal with impressive power but Emiliano Martinez matched Crepeau’s save with his own fantastic piece of goalkeeping, ensuring that both teams would head into the half scoreless.
The fireworks continued in the second half when Julian Alvarez opened the scoring thanks to a selfless pass from Alexis Mac Allister in the Canadian penalty box to put La Albiceleste up 1-0. It was a day of records for Argentinian players.
Leo Messi broke the record for the most appearances in the competition while Alvarez scored his first ever CONMEBOL Copa América goal and the first goal of the 2024 edition of the tournament. Lionel Messi nearly doubled the lead while attempting to dribble around Crepeau during a counter attack, but some heroic defending from Derek Cornelius kept the World Cup champion off the scoresheet.
Towards the end of the match Canada began attacking in waves, with the team from the great white north searching for an equalizer but it wasn’t to be. Lionel Messi found substitute Lautaeo Martinez in the 88’ with a vintage assist to seal the victory. For those in blue and white it was a party in Atlanta, Georgia and in Buenos Aires. A victory for the defending champions to jumpstart the tournament.
What’s Next?
Argentina continues their Group A campaign against Chile on Tuesday, June 25 at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Meanwhile, Canada will play their second ever CONMEBOL Copa América™ match against Peru on Tuesday, June 25 at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas. Peru and Chile complete Group A’s first round of games on Friday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Lineups and info
Argentina: Martinez; Molina, Romero, Martinez, Acuña, De Paul, Paredes, Mac Allister, Messi, Alvarez, Di Maria,
Used substitutes: Lo Celso, Otamendi, Martinez, Montiel, Tagliafico,
Cards: De Paul (Yellow) Lo Celso (Yellow),
Coach: Lionel Scaloni,
Canada: Crépeau; Johnston, Bombito, Conelius, Davies, Kone, Eustaquio, Buchanan, Millar, David, Larin.
Used substitutes: Shaffelburg, Laryea, Osorio, Russell-Rowe.
Cards: Kone (Yellow), Cornelius (Yellow).
Coach: Jesse Marsch.
Referee: Jesus Valenzuela (Venezuela)
