Argentina began their Copa America campaign with a 2-0 triumph over Canada. Julian Alvarez scored the opening goal, with Lionel Messi experiencing an injury scare despite missing several scoring opportunities. Lautaro Martinez later secured the victory with a late second goal. The win marks a successful start for Argentina in the 2024 Copa America. Looking ahead, here are the upcoming Group A fixtures:
- Friday:
Peru vs Chile in Arlington, Texas - Saturday, June 29:
Argentina vs Peru in Miami Gardens, Florida
Canada vs Chile in Orlando, Florida - Tuesday:
Peru vs Canada in Kansas City, Kansas
Chile vs Argentina in East Rutherford, New Jersey
The 2024 Copa America begins on Thursday with a Group A match between Lionel Messi Argentina and Canada in Atlanta. Argentina, who won the 2022 World Cup, hold 15 Copa America titles and had an impressive run in the 2021 tournament, remaining unbeaten in seven matches and outscoring opponents 12-3. In contrast, Canada is making its Copa America debut as they prepare to co-host the 2026 World Cup with the United States and Mexico.
After the match, Jesse Marsch discussed Argentina’s prolonged delay in returning to the field for the second half, noting, “While they were waiting, I knew they were reviewing video and strategizing their approach against us. Once again, I wish the referees would manage this better. If we were five minutes late, we’d face fines and significant repercussions.”
Regarding Argentina’s delay, Marsch expressed his view on potential consequences, stating, “Let’s see what happens with Argentina. I think they should face a fine. How late were they? 20 minutes? 30? I’m not sure, but it was a considerable delay. They used that time to prepare their strategy for the second half against us.
If we had known in advance that there would be an extra 10 minutes, we could have prepared better. However, I ensured the players understood that Argentina would come out with a new plan, including a shift to a three-man rotation, which we managed to handle.”
Lightening the mood during the press conference, Marsch joked with reporters, saying, “Argentina should definitely be fined. Okay? Fined. Write that down. Olé. La Nacion,” he added with a broad smile, “They deserve a fine for being 20 minutes late coming out for the second half.”
Lionel Messi notched his first assist in the Copa America back in 2011 and has since amassed a total of 17 assists in the tournament, surpassing all other players, with none achieving more than five.
Among his Argentina teammates, Angel Di Maria and Alexis Sanchez have each contributed five assists in Copa America matches during this timeframe. Julián Álvarez remarked on their recent victory, emphasizing the importance of winning the opening game: “It was crucial for us to secure the victory. The team deserved it; we had prepared very diligently throughout the week.”
Reflecting on his teammates’ performance, Emiliano Martínez noted, “We consistently create scoring opportunities. We are aware of the abundant talent within our squad—a team that never gives up until the final whistle.” Lisandro Martínez also shared his perspective following Argentina’s hard-fought win, stating, “It was a demanding match for us. What matters most is that every player who steps onto the field gives their all.”
Post-match, Lionel Messi discussed his team’s performance, recognizing the challenges posed by the game’s physicality. He commented, “We anticipated it would be a tough match. Space was limited in the first half. Fortunately, we managed to score early in the second half, but it remained a tough contest.”
He went on to highlight their strategy of maintaining possession and controlling the game, saying, “We possess the patience to retain possession, shifting the ball from one side of the field to the other. Many opponents adjust their approach when facing us, so maintaining control is crucial.”
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