Lionel Messi missed many opportunities in Argentina’s 2-0 win over Canada on June 21 in the opening match at Copa America 2024.

Argentina’s journey to defend the 2024 Copa America championship began with a difficult match against a much underrated opponent, Canada.

Argentina had two good chances in the first half, one from Di Maria in the eighth minute and one from Messi in the tenth, but neither could capitalize to score Argentina’s first goal.

Argentina nearly conceded a goal in the final minutes of the first half when Canada was in a dangerous attacking position.
 
The Canadian strikers continued to shoot in the penalty area, as they had done in the 32nd minute. The Argentine defense struggled to block the ball.

In the 43rd minute, Eustaquio headed Cyle Larin’s cross from the right wing, but goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez saved it.

Argentina’s performance improved only in the second half. In the 48th minute, Julián Álvarez scored into an empty net, giving them a 1-0 lead. Argentina then continued to attack, creating numerous good opportunities.

Messi escaped in the 65th minute to face Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau. Messi failed to beat Crepeau on his first shot. The ball bounced out, and Messi dribbled past Crepeau to take a shot. But this time, the ball struck a Canadian defender.

Messi escaped alone with the ball in the 79th minute, facing the Canadian goalkeeper. And this time, unfortunately, his shot missed. Just three minutes later, Messi helped Lautaro Martinez face goalkeeper Crepeau, but the ball still did not enter the Canadian net.

Finally, in the 88th minute, Lautaro Martinez scored for Argentina, making the score 2-0. Lautaro Martinez escaped to receive Messi’s pass before putting the ball between goalkeeper Crepeau’s legs.
Argentina began their Copa America campaign well, winning 2-0 in the final. Argentina’s next match is against Chile on June 26.