Defending champions Argentina beat Canada 2-0 in the opening match of the Argentina beat Canada to begin Copa América defense in Atlanta on Thursday with forwards Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez scoring second-half goals to seal the victory.
Canada timed their pressing to perfection to fashion a few chances in the first half, though it was Argentina who went closest to scoring through Angel di Maria but he squandered a golden opportunity after a driving run from his own half.
Lionel Scaloni’s side made the breakthrough four minutes after the restart as Lionel Messi played a sublime pass to Alexis Mac Allister, who poked it away from advancing Canada goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau and into the path of Alvarez for a simple finish.
With the start for Argentina, Messi became the all-time appearance leader in Copa América history with 35.
Canada pushed hard after going behind but the…
