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Argentina beat Canada 2-0 on Thursday, June 20 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta to kick-start their Copa America campaign on a high.
Many anticipated that it would be an easy win for La Albiceleste but how wrong were they as Canada made their intentions clear from the starting whistle. They started the game on a stronger note and had the World champions struggling for ideas. Canada absorbed the pressure well and also looked better offensively in the opening half. They should've gone up but Tajon Buchanan and Stephen Eustaquio missed good chances to hand their side a lead in the opening half.
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Lionel Scaloni's men gathered themselves and put up a much better second half display. Alexis Mac Allister helped his side break the deadlock as he set up Julian Alvarez for Argentina's opening goal of the game (49'). The World champions put the game to bed in dying moments of the match as substitute Lautaro Martinez converted after receiving a fine threaded pass from Lionel Messi (88').
On that note, let's take a look at player ratings for Argentina.
Argentina Player Ratings
Emiliano Martinez - 7/10
Emiliano Martinez was majorly a spectator as most of the action unfolded on the opposite end of the pitch. Made two great saves and did well whenever called upon. Earned a well deserved clean sheet.
Nahuel Molina - 6/10
Nahuel Molina for all his good intentions could not offer much as he struggled to keep track of Alphonso Davies who was too fast and strong for him. Would need to do more in the games to come.
Cristian Romero - 8/10
A rock solid display from Cristian Romero at the back. The 26-year-old won six duels, made six recoveries, won three tackles, made three clearances and completed the most number of passes throughout the game (91). All in all, outstanding performance at the back.
Lisandro Martinez - 7/10
Lisandro Martinez alongside Cristian Romero thwarted everything that came down the center and neutralized all the threats. The Manchester United defender won two duels, made two recoveries, cleared the ball twice and won two tackles throughout the game.
Marcos Acuna - 6/10
Marcos Acuna had a decent outing and tried to provide an outlet moving up the pitch. But was caugh off guard on various occasions and struggled to keep in check the pace of the opposition.
Rodrigo de Paul - 7/10
Rodrigo de Paul did all the dirty work for Argentina in the center of the park as he tried to make use of his physicality to boss the midfield battle. He created three chances and made five recoveries but received a yellow and will have to be mindful moving forward.
Leandro Paredes - 7/10
Leandro Paredes put in a shift against Canada as the AS Roma midfielder took matters into his own hands to control the tempo of the game. Slotted in perfeclty to provide the shield and be the extra man whenever defending as well as when in possession.
Alexis Mac Allister - 8/10
Alexis Mac Allister with another sublime performance for Argentina. The Liverpool midfielder was everywhere and was instrumental to his side's opening goal of the game as he set up Julian Alvarez. Mac Allister won six duels, made seven recoveries, made one clearance and created two chances throughout the game.
Angel Di Maria - 6.5/10
Angel Di Maria was decent in attack but could have gotten his name on the scoresheet. The 36-year-old missed a 1v1 to put Argentina ahead early on in the game. Apart from that chance, nothing extraordinary from the former Real Madrid player.
Lionel Messi - 8/10
Lionel Messi looked in fine touch against Canada. The little magician set up Lautaro Martinez for Argentina's second. The 36-year-old created five chances throughout the game, made three recoveries and completed one dribble. Messi's vision and ability to read the game were top notch. That's what makes him one of the best players of all time.
Julian Alvarez - 7.5/10
Julian Alvarez grabbed the opening goal for Argentina, but was pretty silent apart from that. He was eventually taken off in the 76th minute of the game.
Substitutes
Giovani Lo Celso - 6.5/10
Giovani Lo Celso came on in the 68th minute and provided fresh legs as he allowed his side to take control of the game.
Lautaro Martinez - 7.5/10
A constant threat upfront since coming on and got on the end of chances. Had a couple of good chances but materialized on Messi's ball to give Argentina breathing space as he scored the second goal for his side.
Nicoloas Otamendi - 6/10
Slotted in perfectly at the back to help his teammates defend their lead.
Gonzalo Montiel - NA
Came on too late to earn a rating.
Nicolas Tagliafico - NA
Came on too late to earn a rating.
