The 2024 Copa América kicks off tonight as Argentina faces off against Canada at Mercedes Benz Stadium. Let’s dive into the history of this matchup and key players to watch out for...
HISTORY
This will be the second time that they will face off against each other. Their first meeting was back in 2010 in an international friendly where Argentina won 5-0. These two sides have never faced each other in the Copa América, and this will be Canada’s first time playing in this tournament.
Canada is coming off of an important 0-0 draw against France on the road, who is 2nd in the FIFA rankings behind Argentina. Jesse Marsch has taken over as the new head coach for Canada, and this will be his first tournament at the helm.
Argentina haven’t lost in five matches. The last match they lost was back in November 2023 where Uruguay beat them 2-0 in a World Cup qualifier. Argentina is currently ranked 1st in the FIFA rankings and are entering the Copa América as defending World Cup and Copa América Champions. They are favored to win this tournament as well.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Argentina: Angel Di Maria
The 36 year old forward had nine goals this season with Benfica, and has scored 31 goals in 140 appearances for Argentina. Back in 2010, he scored a goal in the 37th minute against Canada to make it 3-0. He will be looking to find the back of the net again tomorrow to open his last tournament with Argentina before he retires from the national team.
Canada: Alphonso Davies
If there is any player that can cause Argentina issues, it is going to have to be Alphonso Davies. The young left back was named team captain for Canada on June 17, and has had 47 senior international appearances at just 23 years of age and holds many men’s national team records such as youngest player to debut and score for Canada. At Bayern Munich, he had 2 goals, 254 tackles won and 18 aerial duels won last season. He will be a leader in the back line, especially dealing with Lionel Messi and Argentina.
THE GOAT IN KENNESAW
I had to mention it at the end of this, but how cool was it for Lionel Messi to be training at Fifth Third Stadium. It was a great week to be an Owl! Speaking of the goat, he could become the player with the most appearances in the history of the Copa América. He is currently tied at 34 with Sergio Livingstone, who played for Chile in seven tournaments in the 1940's and 1950's. It’s a great time to be a soccer fan here in Atlanta!
Argentina vs Canada kicks off at 8:00 p.m. ET (5:00 p.m. PT) at Mercedes Benz Stadium June 20! The Summer of Soccer is just getting started!
✍️ Madison Crews
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