Argentina’s national team, led by the ever-dazzling Lionel Messi, commenced their Copa América 2024 journey with a 2-0 triumph over Canada. Messi, who recently played for Inter Miami, once again proved pivotal, setting up both goals scored by Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez. Despite not finding the net himself, Messi’s performance resonated with the fans and his teammates, who lauded his leadership on the pitch. Messi’s assist for Martínez’s goal marked his 18th assist in Copa América, further solidifying his status as a record holder for most assists in the tournament’s history. Moreover, he became the first player to make 7 assists in 7 different Copa América tournaments, highlighting his consistent contribution over the years. The Argentine squad expressed dissatisfaction with the Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s grass surface, which they deemed a ‘disaster’ for play, potentially impacting their renowned fast-paced style. Looking ahead, Argentina is set to face Chile and Peru in their next group stage matches, with the team’s eyes firmly set on advancing smoothly through Group A. Canada, on the other hand, will seek to rebound in their subsequent match against Peru. With Messi at the helm, Argentina’s campaign has begun on a high note, and the team is determined to maintain their momentum as they continue their quest for Copa América glory.
Key points
- Messi sets a new Copa América record with his 18th assist and becomes the first player with 7 assists across different tournaments.
- Argentina’s team criticizes the playing conditions at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, citing the grass surface as problematic for their style of play.
- Argentina prepares for upcoming matches against Chile and Peru, while Canada aims to recover against Peru.
