Argentina began the defence of their Copa America title with a 2-0 win over Canada on Thursday night.

Lionel Messi played a pivotal role in the match, providing a through ball that led to Julián Álvarez opening the scoring in the 49th minute. Messi later assisted Lautaro Martínez’s goal in the 88th minute, sealing the win for Argentina.

Messi had his best chance to score in the 65th minute, but Maxime Crépeau made a diving save, and the head of defender Derek Cornelius blocked Messi’s attempt off the rebound.

Argentina, aiming for their third consecutive major title after winning the 2021 Copa América and the 2022 World Cup, will next face Chile on Tuesday, followed by their final group fixture against Peru on June 29.