Copa America starts with defending champions facing Canada

The 2024 USA-held Copa América will split the attention of football fans who have been seeing action go down at the Euros 2024 in Germany. Current holders and World champions Argentina will clash with Canada. 

The joint record holders of the competition, Argentina, with 15 titles, are making their 44th appearance and are facing an invited Canadian team. Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has the same quality and experience as Lionel Messi, who may be playing in his last Copa América tournament. 

The Inter Miami forward will be hoping for a back-to-back title win at the Copa America, and they are in line for a good finish as Argentina has been unbeaten in seven games at the tournament. That statistic includes six wins and one draw, and it looks good to stretch it further as it hasn’t lost against North American opposition since 2004.

Jesse Marsch’s reign with Canada has seen a goal drought and also without a win, although he’s barely two games in with a win and a draw against top-ten FIFA-ranked nations, France and the Netherlands.

Nevertheless, Canada have their fair share of star players, including Bayern’s Alphonso Davies and Lille’s Jonathan David. The game, played on Thursday 20th of June in America, will usher in more fixtures over the next couple of weeks.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni does not underrate the Canadians as they face off in the opening fixture.

“Canada is a very good team; they have important players and a new coach who has brought in new ideas. They are a complicated opponent but we are prepared to play our game. We are in good shape, with clear ideas and knowing how difficult this tournament is. We are prepared for what is to come. What we achieved was nice, but it’s in the past. We have to think about the present. I put the player I see best at the moment. I’ve always done that.” Scaloni said.