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Argentina began the defense of their Copa America title with a 2-0 win over Canada on Thursday night.
Lionel Messi’s through ball led to Julián Álvarez’s opening the scoring in the 49th minute.
Messi then laid on the assist for Lautaro Martínez’s goal in the 88th.
His best chance to get his name on the scoresheet, came in the 65th minute, when Maxime Crépeau made a diving stop and Messi’s attempt off the rebound was blocked by the head of defender Derek Cornelius.
Argentina are looking to win their third straight major title after winning the 2021 Copa América and the 2022 World Cup.
Up next for Albiceleste is Chile on Tuesday, before they face Peru in their final group fixture on June 29.
