On Thursday night, Argentina won 2-0 over Canada to begin their Copa America championship defense.

In the 49th minute, Julián Álvarez scored after a through ball from Lionel Messi.


Messi assisted Lautaro Martínez with a goal in the 88th minute.

His greatest chance to score came in the 65th minute, when Maxime Crépeau made a diving save and Messi's rebound shot was blocked by defender Derek Cornelius.

Argentina is aiming for their third major trophy in a row, having won the Copa América in 2021 and the World Cup in 2022.

Albiceleste will play Chile on Tuesday before facing Peru in their last group match on June 29.