Lionel Messi’s Argentina defeated Canada 2-0 in their Copa America 2024 opener. The defending champions get off to a winning start in what was a back-and-forth contest. They eventually managed to get the lead in the 49th minute through Julian Alvarez.
Argentina vs Canada Player Ratings as Alvarez and Martinez scores, Messi leaves a mark

Lionel Messi had several chances but failed to find the back of the net. Lautaro Martinez delivered the knockout blow late in the game through his 88th-minute goal. La Albiceleste bagged all three points in their opening game.
Argentina National Football Team Player Ratings vs Canada
Goalkeeper:

Emi Martinez– 7.5: Argentina’s goalkeeper for the big occasion, Emi Martinez shone once again. He managed to pull off several important saves against Canada.
Defenders:

Nahuel Molina- 7.5: A good performance from the right-back. Defended well and also was crucial for the team with his passing.
Cristian Romero– 8: Arguably Argentina’s best current defender, Romero showcased why he is highly valued. Organized his defense well and marshalled them to a clean sheet.
Lisandro Martinez– 7: Good performance from the Manchester United centre-back. However, considering his quality, Martinez has room for improvement and becomes even better as the competition progresses.
Marcos Acuna- 6.5: Did well moving forward. Acuna, however, was a bit vulnerable in duel situations.
Midfielders:

Angel Di Maria– 7.5: Solid performance from a player who continues to thrive despite his age. He is a player for the big occasions and would improve as the tournament gets into the deeper end.
Rodrigo De Paul– 7.5: Crucial as always. Made a few dangerous passes into the Canada penalty area that could have been damaging.
Leandro Paredes– 7.5: Good performance. Had a long range effort early in the game, which wasn’t too far off the target.
Alexis Mac Allister– 7: Mac Allister missed a chance in the first half. While it was a good display from the Liverpool ace, he could do better.
Attackers:

Lionel Messi– 8.5: Argentina’s captain marvel with another pivotal display. Created chances after chances. However, he missed a few sitters as well..
Julian Alvarez– 7.5: Scored a crucial goal for his team. Alvarez continues to grow in significance with passing time.
Substitutes:
Gio Lo Celso– 7
Nicolas Otamendi– 7
Gonzalo Montiel– N/A
Nicolas Tagliafico– N/A
Manager ratings:
Lionel Scaloni– 8
Also Read: Germany vs Hungary Player Ratings: İlkay Gündoğan 9.5; Jamal Musiala 9; Kai Havertz 7
Canada National Football Team Player Ratings vs Argentina
Goalkeeper:

Maxime Crepeau– 8: What a performance from the Canadian goalkeeper. Conceded twice, but kept denying Argentina’s attackers, including Lionel Messi on multiple occasions.
Defenders:

Alistair Johnston– 7: Defended well on the majority and also tried his best with passing when he had the ball.
Moise Bombito– 7.5: Both centre-backs played well for Canada. Bombito prevented several Argentine attacks throughout the game.
Derek Cornelius– 7.5: Much like Bombito, Cornelius was pivotal for Canada in preventing waves of La Albiceleste attack.
Alphonso Davies– 6.5: Not the best night out for Canada’s superstar captain as much more is expected of him. He spurned a golden chance in the first half,blazing his effort way over the bar.
Midfielders:

Tajon Buchanan– 7: Arguably Canada’s best midfield player against Argentina. Did well before being subbed off.
Ismael Kone– 6.5: The entire Canada midfield struggled and Kone was no exception. Failed to find his feet against the world champion’s star-studded midfield.
Stephen Estaquio– 6.5: Estaquio is one of the main pillars of the Canada team. However, he didn’t have the best outing against a prolific Argentina side.
Liam Miller– 6: Was often the weak link in the midfield. Failed to make any notable impact and was eventually hooked off.
Attackers:

Jonathan David– 6.5: With top clubs across the globe watching, Jonathan David had the chance to showcase his talent. The Canadian striker, though, found it hard to break down a sturdy Argentina defense.
Cyle Larin– 6.5: Much like David, failed to find too much breathing space during the game.
Substitutes:
Jacob Shaffelburg– 7
Richie Lareya– 6
Jonathan Osorio– 6.5
Jacen Russel-Rowe– 6.5
Manager rating:
Jesse March– 7.5
Also Read: Argentina 2-0 Canada: Copa America 2024 key highlights as La Albiceleste gets off to a winning start
Advertisement
Trending
Trending

Tottenham 3–1 Bodo/Glimt Player Ratings: Tottenham Register a Comfortable Home Victory Against the Norwegian Side

Athletic Club 0–3 Manchester United Player Ratings: Bruno and Casemiro Stun San Mames into Silence with a Comfortable Victory