The reigning Copa America champions opened their defense by blanking Canada at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
Argentina used a pair of second-half goals to earn an opening 2-0 Group A victory over Jesse Marsch’s squad. Julian Alvarez broke the deadlock four minutes after halftime before substitute Lautaro Martinez insured the win two minutes before stoppage time.
Lionel Messi was credited with one assist but had a hand in both goals.
Angel Di Maria came close to breaking the deadlock after only nine minutes, racing towards goal on a breakaway. However, Maxime Crepeau stood tall and kicked away the winger’s effort.
Alexis Mac Allister and Stephen Eustaquio traded offensive efforts before halftime but the teams went into the interval goal-less.
Alvarez would ultimately spring Argentina in front after both Messi and Mac Allister connected on the build-up play. Messi’s cutting pass allowed Mac Allister to slide possession into Alvarez’s path before the Manchester City forward slotted home.
It marked Alvarez’s first international goal since the 2022 FIFA World Cup semifinals.
Canada tried its best to hit back offensively but struggled to truly test Emiliano Martinez in net. Argentina would make them pay by icing the result before the final whistle.
Messi’s through-ball pass allowed Lautaro Martinez to slot home his first goal of the competition for a 2-0 lead that Argentina wouldn’t relinquish.
Argentina’s second group stage match comes on Tuesday against Chile while Canada plays Peru earlier that night. Marsch is still looking for his first win as Canada head coach.
