In the opening game of the Copa America in Atlanta, Georgia, defending champions Argentina
defeated Canada.
Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez scored the opening goal from close range just four minutes
into the second half.
Substitute Lautaro Martinez sealed the victory late in the match by converting a pass from Lionel
Messi. This win in Group A extends Argentina’s unbeaten streak in the Copa America to nine
matches, following their triumph in the 2021 edition in Brazil and securing third place two years
earlier.
The 2022 World Cup winners will next face Chile at 02:00 BST on 26 June, while Canada, managed by
former Leeds boss Jesse Marsch, will play against Peru at 23:00 BST on 25 June. Following the defeat,
Canada Soccer, the nation’s football governing body, reported that one of their players was
subjected to online racist abuse.
“Canada Soccer is aware of and deeply disturbed by racist comments made online and directed at
one of our men’s national team players following tonight’s match,” read a statement posted on X.
“We are in communication with [governing bodies] Concacaf and Conmebol about this matter.”

The pitch at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the regular home of MLS side Atlanta United and NFL franchise
Atlanta Falcons, faced criticism from Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni. Typically featuring an
artificial surface, a temporary grass pitch was installed for this tournament.
“With all due respect, thank goodness we won,” Scaloni said.
“Otherwise, it would have been a cheap excuse. We have known for seven months that we are going
to play here and they changed the turf two days ago.
“It is not good for the show. It is not an excuse. The stadium is beautiful and with synthetic turf it
must be spectacular, but with today’s turf it is not suitable for this kind of players.”