It wasn’t easy for the defending champions, but Messi and La Albiceleste were able to survive a slight scare to kick off the tournament.
“Messi! Messi! Messi!”
The party, as it turns out, would be delayed a bit. For a while, it looked uncertain that it would happen at all. Canada were determined to play spoilers and, for quite a while there, they spoiled everything Argentina threw at them. The big moment did eventually come, though, and the tens of thousands of Argentina fans in the stadium could celebrate a scrappy 2-0 win. The Copa America title defense has officially begun.
It took until the opening moments of the second half for Argentina to find their breakthrough, but it eventually came on a scrappy finish from Julian Alvarez. The almighty Lionel Messi played his part, providing the hockey assist to earn the adoration of the crowd, but this one wasn’t easy, particularly for the GOAT, who wasted several chances to put the game away in the second half. In the end, though, he wouldn’t be denied, as his fantastic assist for Lautaro Martinez’s game-sealing goal ensured Argentina would start this tournament on a high.
Canada, to their credit, were arguably the better side during the first 45. They defended about as well as you can against the World Champions and, particularly, as well as you can against Messi.
On the other end, Tajon Buchanan and Stephen Eustaquio had legitimate chances to score, but they were chances wasted. You can’t get away with that against Argentina, and this tournament’s defending champions made them pay.
“We knew it was going to be hard,” goalkeeper Emi Martinez told FOX. “It is the Copa America. The pitch wasn’t great – it was very bumpy – in other areas, it was very hard for us. We like the pitch to be quite slippery and quick for our style of game but listen: this team wants more. We’re not satisfied here. We go game-by-game and we can go all the way.”
It wasn’t a vintage performance, but it was one that got it done on the night. With three points in the bag, Argentina’s title defense is underway and the party might only be just beginning.
“We just want to enjoy today, have fun together tonight,” Martinez said. “And then tomorrow we think about Chile.”
Goalkeeper & Defense
Emiliano Martinez (6/10):
Had two big saves and benefitted from a few good blocks in front of him. A deserved clean sheet, albeit a somewhat lucky one!
Marcos Acuna (6/10):
Had one half-chance early, but pulled it just wide. Got forward well, but he did struggle with Canada’s pace at times.
Lisandro Martinez (7/10):
Not quite as good as Romero, but rock-solid defensively. It was a sneaky-good game from the Manchester United defender.
Cristian Romero (8/10):
The better of the two central defenders. Was near-perfect on the ball and did plenty of good work defensively to swat off several good Canada attacks.
Nahuel Molina (6/10):
Bended a whole lot, but never broke against Alphonso Davies. There are few better players in the world on that left-hand side, so no shame in that, but phew… there were some scares.
Midfield
Alexis MacAllister (8/10):
Fantastic as always. Had one good chance just before the half, but his big moment came early in the second. Put his body on the line for Alvarez’s goal to headline a big performance.
Leandro Paredes (7/10):
A bulldog in central midfield. Was incredibly active on both sides of the ball to help Argentina take back control after Canada’s hot start.
Rodrigo de Paul (7/10):
Wasn’t his best game by any stretch, but his energy and enthusiasm is what makes this Argentina team tick. Goes into game two on a yellow, though.
Attack
Angel Di Maria (6/10):
Missed an early one-on-one and that turned out to be his best chance of the game. Was taken out early in the second for fresh legs.
Julian Alvarez (7/10):
Great effort on the goal. Was a bit quiet otherwise as he struggled to get on the ball but, hey, goals decide games, right?
Lionel Messi (8/10):
Was oh so close to providing a moment of magic midway through the second and then another with about 10 minutes left, but they didn’t come off. While he couldn’t quite finish on his own, he didn’t let it stop him from being the provider as he played a part in both goals.
Subs & Manager
Giovani Lo Celso (6/10):
With Argentina leading, he was tossed in to give the defending champions another body in midfield, which definitely helped down the stretch. A needless yellow late, though.
Nicolas Otamendi (6/10):
Replaced Paredes as Argentina went to five-at-the-back to see out the game.
Lautaro Martinez (8/10):
Came on late to give Argentina some fresh legs. Got a quick chance, but fired it right at the goalkeeper. He didn’t make the same mistake a few minutes later as he finished off a Messi assist.
Gonzalo Montiel (N/A):
Was thrown on with just minutes remaining to see off the game.
Nicolas Tagliafico (N/A):
Same as above.
Lionel Scaloni (7/10):
Not pretty, but job done. Canada came out strong and had a good game plan, but Argentina had the maturity and poise to weather the storm. That’s what champions do. Onto the next one.
