The whole stadium had eyes only for him and it was from Messi that the solution came, with a full axis pass at the origin of Argentina’s first goal which beat Canada 2-0 , opening the Copa America on Thursday in Atlanta.
The reigning world champions, favorites to lift the continental trophy a second time in a row, are thus launching their American summer in an ideal manner.
The Messi gang waited until the locker room returned to open the scoring. The pass of ” the flea “ left the Canadian goalkeeper sheepish, coming out late, and who collapsed after a collision with Argentine midfielder Mac Allister.
Julian Alvarez, Manchester City’s pocket striker, just had to push the ball to the back of the empty cage to launch the Albiceleste (1-0, 49th).
A lively but imprecise Messi on the attack front came close to making the break with a little dive right next to the post (79th) and a sharp counterattack (82nd).
Canada was not unworthy, with its captain Alphonso Davies who multiplied the excesses in the first period. A dazzling acceleration and the Bayern Munich full-back goes left and center for Canadian midfielder Buchanan who shoots wide (32nd).
A first thrill for the reds who pushed two minutes later with another effort from Davies. His center back found Lille’s Jonathan David, his shot was blocked.
“We knew what Canada was capable of. It was a very tough match, very physical, especially in the first half, there was little space. Fortunately, we found the solution quickly in the second half and we were able to play a little better”declared Lionel Messi after the match.
Cup Senior
Lautaro Martinez in Atlanta, June 20, 2024 / CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP
Argentina knew how to accelerate when necessary and the second act of the match was indeed one-way, crowned by Inter Milan scorer Lautaro Martinez, who entered in the 76th minute for the first scorer, and who dampened hopes Canadians at the end of the match (88th).
The Argentine fans, who came to populate the cauldron of Atlanta and its 70,564 spectators, could let their joy explode while Messi threw himself into the arms of his teammates.
Deprived of a goal, the eight-time Golden Ball winner still celebrated his team’s victory. And another, more symbolic: that of the most capped player in the Copa. This is the 35th appearance of the Argentine genius in the Continental Cup, which he won in 2021 and which he intends to lift again on July 14 in Miami.
To do this, the reigning champions will have to face tough competition, starting with Chile in five days.
