The reigning Copa America champions opened their protection by blanking Canada at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
Argentina used a pair of second-half objectives to earn a gap 2-0 Group A victory over Jesse Marsch’s squad. Julian Alvarez broke the impasse 4 minutes after halftime earlier than substitute Lautaro Martinez insured the win two minutes earlier than stoppage time.
Lionel Messi was credited with one help however had a hand in each objectives.
Angel Di Maria got here near breaking the impasse after solely 9 minutes, racing in the direction of objective on a breakaway. Nonetheless, Maxime Crepeau stood tall and kicked away the winger’s effort.
Alexis Mac Allister and Stephen Eustaquio traded offensive efforts earlier than halftime however the groups went into the interval goal-less.
Alvarez would finally spring Argentina in entrance after each Messi and Mac Allister linked on the build-up play. Messi’s chopping cross allowed Mac Allister to slip possession into Alvarez’s path earlier than the Manchester Metropolis ahead slotted house.
It marked Alvarez’s first worldwide objective for the reason that 2022 FIFA World Cup semifinals.
Canada tried its greatest to hit again offensively however struggled to actually take a look at Emiliano Martinez in internet. Argentina would make them pay by icing the consequence earlier than the ultimate whistle.
Messi’s through-ball cross allowed Lautaro Martinez to fit house his first objective of the competitors for a 2-0 lead that Argentina wouldn’t relinquish.
Argentina’s second group stage match comes on Tuesday in opposition to Chile whereas Canada performs Peru earlier that night time. Marsch continues to be on the lookout for his first win as Canada head coach.