Copa America 2024: Messi, Alvarez and Lautaro combine as Argentina beats Canada 2-0 in opener

Defending champions Argentina beat Canada 2-0 in the opening match of the 2024 Copa America in Atlanta on Friday, with strikers Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez scoring second-half goals to seal the win.

Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez scored as Argentina opened its Copa America 2024 campaign with a 1-0 win over Canada at the Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, United States.

Canada timed its pressure to perfection to create a few chances in the first half, although it was Argentina who came closest to scoring through Angel di Maria, but squandered a golden opportunity after a strong run from his own half.

AS IT HAPPENED | Argentina vs Canada, Copa America 2024 highlights

Lionel Scaloni’s side broke through four minutes after the restart when Lionel Messi played a sublime pass to Alexis Mac Allister, who crossed the ball from advancing Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau into the path of Alvarez for an easy finish.

Canada pressed hard after falling behind, but the introduction of experienced centre-back Nicolas Otamendi gave Argentina some much-needed stability at the back before substitute Martinez came in from a pass from Messi in the 88th minute to round off the win.

Lionel Messi was at the center of both goals, creating the first, along with Alexis Mac Allister, and setting up Lautaro later in the second half as La Albiceleste cruised to a comfortable victory in their bid to defend their title.

– With input from Reuters