Copa24 : Holders Argentina overcome stiff Canada challenge to win 2-0

 

Argentina won the first match of the Copa America 2024.  On this day, Lionel Messi set a precedent by playing in the match.  His record-setting match was commemorated by two teammates Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez.  Argentina beat Canada 2-0 with their goals. 

 After winning the World Cup, this is the first time Messi has played in a major tournament.  He touched a unique precedent on the field on Friday morning. Messi played the 35th match in Copa America (Copa America 2024) as the only footballer.  No one has played more matches than him in the copa.  Before Messi, this record was held by Chilean goalkeeper Sergio Livingstone.  He played 34 matches.

 However, Messi could not shine in the precedent-setting match.  Instead, he failed to score despite getting one opportunity after another.  However, even though Messi was ineffective, his teammates won the match for Argentina.  The Argentine forwards created many chances in the first half.  But Canada played stubbornly .  The first half of the match ended goalless.

 After the break, however, Argentina caught the mood of the champion.  The first goal of the match came from the foot of Alvarez in the 49th minute.  However, despite falling behind, Canada continued to try to equalize.  Goalkeeper Amy Martinez had to save several goalbound shots as Canadian forwards looked dangerous .  Lautaro Martinez extended the margin of victory late in the game.  He scored in the 88th minute.  Thus Argentina started with a win against a well prepared  Canada .