Nevertheless, the numerous Argentina fans in the US metropolis of Atlanta cheered their idol frenetically every time he touched the ball. Especially since Messi, who plays for Inter Miami in the US league, initiated the attacks that led to the goals by Julian Alvarez (49th) and Lautaro Martinez (88th) with impressive through balls and now has 17 assists in his Copa history. Alvarez most recently scored a double for Argentina in the 2022 World Cup semi-final against Croatia (3-0).
“Fortunately, we scored quickly after the break. We could have played better, but it was complicated,” Messi said critically after the match. Under the direction of former Leipzig player Jesse Marsch, who only took up his coaching post on May 13, the Canadians held their own for a long time, thanks in part to a strong performance by Bayern Munich’s left-back Alphonso Davies.
At the end, the captain of Les Rouges (the Reds) even received Messi’s jersey as a token of appreciation. Peru and Chile conclude the first matchday in Group A on Friday. Host USA will take on Bolivia on Sunday.
Favorite Brazil starts the South American Championship on Monday against Costa Rica, which this time has been expanded to include six teams from the northern CONCACAF association.
