[ad_1]
Lionel Messi’s cross set up Julián Alvarez’s goal in the 49th minute, then assisted Lautaro Martinez’s goal in the 88th as Argentina began the defense of their Copa America title with a 2-0 win over Canada on Thursday evening.
Argentina are looking for their third straight major title after winning in 2021 Copa America and the 2022 World Cup.
After the South American championship moved to the United States for the second time, Messi set a Copa America record with his 35th game, one more than Sergio Livingston of Chile from 1941-53. Messi bettered his own record of 18- ata si assistance.
Messi, who turns 37 on Monday, created the first goal when he headed a pass through the defense for Alexis McAllister. The midfielder sidestepped Alvarez as he ran into the onrushing Canada goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau from eight yards. Alvarez had an almost empty net and slotted the ball over a sliding defender for his eighth goal in 32 international appearances.
Messi added to his record for Copa America assists when he cut through the center of midfield and slotted a pass to Martinez, who scored his 25th international goal.
Messi’s best scoring opportunity came in the 65th minute when Crepeau made a stop and Messi’s attempted rebound was blocked by Derek Cornelius. Messi scored after going one-on-one with Crepeau in the 79th minute.
He was rocked by a sliding tackle from defender Moise Bombito in the 82nd minute but stayed on.
Argentina plays Chile on Tuesday in East Rutherford, New Jersey, then closes the first round against Peru on June 29 in Miami Gardens, Florida. Canada faces Peru on Tuesday in Kansas City, Kansas, and finishes the group stage against Chile on June 29 in Orlando, Florida.
after the promotion of the newsletter
Fourteen American stadiums are hosting the tournament, which will run until June 14. Six nations from North and Central America and the Caribbean were added to the 10 South American teams.
The slow startup didn’t hinder the Albiceleste from winning their previous two tournaments. Argentina opened the 2022 World Cup with a 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia and began the 2021 Copa America with a 1-1 draw against Chile.
Canada made its Copa America debut and played its first competitive game under American coach Jesse Marsh, who was hired last month. Canada’s best chance came when they tested Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez in the 43rd minute. He used his left hand to parry Steven Eustaquio’s header.
[ad_2]
