Argentina Vs Canada, Copa America Highlights: Alvarez, Martinez Win It 2-0 For ARG; Messi Plays Record 35th Match

Welcome to the highlights of our coverage of the curtain-raising clash of Copa America 2024, played between Argentina and Canada at the Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia (United States) on Friday (June 21). Argentina blanked Canada 2-0. La Albiceleste, who are the defending champions, kicked off their campaign with a comfortable win courtesy second-half goals from Julian Alvarez (49') and Lautaro Martinez (88'). Captain Lionel Messi was expectedly at the centre of it all, and he created a record for the most Copa America appearances ever with his 35th outing. Catch the highlights of the ARG vs CAN match, right here. (More Football News)

Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez, Franco Armani, Geronimo Rulli.

Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel, Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, German Pezzella, Lucas Martinez Quarta, Nicolas Otamendi, Lisandro Martinez, Marcos Acuna, Nicolas Tagliafico.

Midfielders: Guido Rodriguez, Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul, Exequiel Palacios, Enzo Fernandez, Giovani Lo Celso.

Forwards: Angel Di Maria, Valentin Carboni, Lionel Messi, Alejandro Garnacho, Nicolas Gonzalez, Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez.

Goalkeepers: Maxime Crepeau, Thomas McGill, Dayne St. Clair.

Defenders: Moise Bombito, Derek Cornelius, Alphonso Davies, Luc de Fougerolles, Kyle Hiebert, Alistair Johnston, Richie Laryea, Kamal Miller.

Midfielders: Ali Ahmed, Mathieu Choiniere, Stephen Eustaquio, Ismael Kone, Jonathan Osorio, Samuel Piette.

Forwards: Theo Bair, Tajon Buchanan, Jonathan David, Junior Hoilett, Cyle Larin, Liam Millar, Tani Oluwaseyi, Jacen-Russell Rowe, Jacob Shaffelburg.

Canada are going in with a 4-4-2 formation. Here is the line-up:

16. Crepeau (GK) — 2. Johnston, 15. Bombito, 13. Cornelius, 19. Davis — 17. Buchanan, 8. Kone, 7. Eustaquio, 23. Millar — 9. Larin, 10. David.

Proceedings commence in Atlanta for the Argentina vs Canada game. The match has kicked off, and with that, the Copa America 2024 edition is officially underway.

A huge early chance for Argentina, and Canada goalkeeper Crepeau denies them on the counter. He comes off his line and thwarts the goal attempt. Fine save.

Canada have managed to not concede any goal early doors, and aside the save by Crepeau, have not faced defensive turmoil.

Lionel Messi creates another chance, but no harm done for Canada. Still goalless after 30 minutes in Atlanta.

Canada goalkeeper Crepeau thwarts Argentina again. He denies Alexis Mac Allister, saving his goal-bound header. Still 0-0.

Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez pulls off a superb save, soon after his opposite number had denied La Albiceleste.

The first half ends with no goal from either side, despite chances for both. Let's see if the deadlock is broken on the other side. Stay tuned.

The second half is underway. Can Canada hold on? Or will Argentina find the winner? Find out soon.

The deadlock is broken in the 49th minute. Messi passes to Mac Allister, who is swept off his feet by Canada keeper Maxime Crepeau. It could have been a penalty, but Mac Allister's touch falls in Julian Alvarez's path, who converts. Argentina 1-0 Canada.

Argentina's Rodrigo De Paul receives a yellow card for hand ball.

Canada's Jonathan David misses a good opportunity to score. His header from the centre of the box is close, but misses the top left corner. The assist was made by Jacob Shaffelburg via a cross, after a corner.

Nicolas Otamendi replaces Leandro Paredes, Lautaro Martinez comes in place of goal-scorer Julian Alvarez and Giovani Lo Celso replaces Angel Di Maria for Argentina.

A slide tackle from Bombito leaves Lionel Messi floored and in pain, but the Argentina captain is soon back up anon his feet and play resumes.

Lautaro Martinez makes it 2-0 in favour of Argentina in the 88th minute. Lionel Messi lines up the assist with a through ball, and Martinez's right-footed shot from the centre of the box heads into the centre of the goal.

In the end, it is a comfortable 2-0 victory for Argentina. Second-half goals from Julian Alvarez (49') and Lautaro Martinez (88') seal the deal for La Albiceleste in the tournament opener, even as Lionel Messi creates a record for the most Copa America appearances ever with his 35th outing.

That will be all from us. We will be back with live updates from more Copa America and other matches across disciplines. Until then, goodbye.