Argentina started their Copa America title defense with a 2-0 victory over Canada on Thursday night.
Lionel Messi’s precise through ball set up Julián Álvarez for the opening goal in the 49th minute. Later, Messi provided the assist for Lautaro Martínez’s goal in the 88th minute.
Messi had a clear opportunity to score himself in the 65th minute, but his shot off the rebound was blocked by defender Derek Cornelius after an initial save by Maxime Crépeau.
Argentina, aiming for their third consecutive major title after winning the 2021 Copa América and the 2022 World Cup, will face Chile next on Tuesday, followed by a match against Peru in their final group stage fixture on June 29.
