Argentina Kicks Off Copa America Defense With 2-0 Win Over Canada
Messi Sets Up Both Goals
Argentina began its defense of the Copa America title with a 2-0 victory against Canada at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Thursday.
Lionel Messi helped set up both goals, continuing his incredible run of form for both club and country.
Argentina's big questions before this opening game were in midfield and at the No. 9 position. Both position groups feature top players, so it was unclear who would start.
In the end, manager Lionel Scaloni opted for experience, starting Leandro Paredes and Guido Rodriguez in central midfield and Lautaro Martinez up front.
The decision paid off, as Argentina controlled the game from start to finish. Messi was at the heart of everything good that Argentina did, and he set up both goals.
The first came in the 10th minute, when Messi played a perfect pass to Martinez, who finished with a low shot into the bottom corner.
The second goal came in the 57th minute, when Messi again played a key role. He drove into the Canada penalty area and played a pass to Nicolas Gonzalez, who finished with a powerful shot into the roof of the net.
The win was a perfect start to the Copa America for Argentina, and it will give them confidence ahead of their next game against Uruguay on Monday.
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