Argentina beats Canada 2-0 in its debut in the Copa América

With two masterful assists from Lionel Messi, Argentina secured a 2-0 victory against Canada in their Copa America debut.

The 2024 Copa America kicked off in grand style in the city of Atlanta, Georgia.

More than 70,000 fans gathered at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium to witness a unique event.

From the early hours of Thursday, fans, mostly of the Argentina team, started gathering around the stadium.

Successful debut for Argentina in Copa America

Debut for Argentina in Copa America – PHOTO: Mario Guevara/Special for MundoNOW

They filled the event with joy and color.

The opening ceremony was led by Colombian reggaeton artist Feid, who put on a great show that got all the spectators pumped.

Then came the most anticipated moment: the teams’ entrance and the start of the match.

The presence of Lionel Messi was undoubtedly an extra draw for the fans.

Most of them came to see him. With jerseys, chants, and signs, they constantly expressed their affection for the Argentine number 10.

And Lionel Messi did not disappoint, as he provided the two assists for his team’s winning goals.

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Messi’s through-ball led to Julián Álvarez’s goal in the 49th minute.

Later, Messi assisted in Lautaro Martínez’s goal in the 88th minute, as Argentina began defending their Copa America title.

Argentina seeks its third consecutive title

PHOTO: Mario Guevara/Special for MundoNOW

It’s worth noting that the Argentinians are seeking their third major consecutive title after winning the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 World Cup.

With the South American championship moved to the United States for the second time, Messi set a record in Copa America with his 35th match.

He surpassed Sergio Livingstone of Chile, who played from 1941 to 1953. Messi also extended his own record with his 18th assist.

Messi, who turns 37 on Monday, set up the first goal after a throw-in, heading a pass through the defense to Alexis MacAllister.

The midfielder then passed the ball with the side of his foot to Álvarez, who, colliding with goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau about 8 yards away, faced an almost empty net.

He then kicked the ball over a sliding defender for his eighth goal in 32 international appearances.

Messi extended his Copa America record when he ran down the center of the midfield and delivered a perfectly timed pass to Martínez.

Martínez, who had entered in the 76th minute, lofted it over Crépeau for his 25th international goal.

With information from Alfredo Suárez and The Associated Press

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