Argentina’s national team began their Copa América 2024 campaign with a 2-0 win over Canada, but the match was plagued by off-field controversies. While Lionel Messi’s performance was a highlight, the team and coach Lionel Scaloni were critical of the playing conditions at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, with Scaloni and goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez both describing the pitch as a ‘disaster’.Canadian defender Moïse Bombito faced racist abuse online after a tackle on Messi, prompting condemnation from Canada Soccer and CONCACAF. Canada’s coach Jesse Marsch expressed frustration with Argentina’s 21-minute delay returning to the field after halftime, suggesting they were analyzing their strategy and called for CONMEBOL to issue a fine.Despite the controversies, Argentina’s quest for Copa América glory continues, while Canada seeks to rebound from the loss and the unsettling racist incident targeting Bombito.
Key points
- Argentina began Copa América 2024 with a 2-0 win over Canada amidst pitch criticism and off-field controversies.
- Canadian defender Moïse Bombito suffered racist abuse online after a tackle on Lionel Messi, with Canada Soccer and CONCACAF condemning the behavior.
- Canada’s coach Jesse Marsch called for Argentina to be fined for a delay in returning to the field, suggesting they used the time for video analysis.
Contradictions👾There is a contradiction regarding the score of the Argentina vs.
Canada match.
While most sources report a 2-0 victory for Argentina, one source erroneously states the match ended in a 0-0 draw.