"First step" - Lionel Messi reacts on social media after starring for Argentina in win over Canada in 2024 Copa America opener

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has reacted to his country's 2-0 win in their Copa America 2024 opener against Canada on Thursday (June 20).

After the first half, in which La Albiceleste failed to break the deadlock, the 36-year-old provided a moment of inspiration in the second period. Four minutes following the commencement of play after the interval, Messi unlocked the Canadian defence, playing the ball in behind.

With the goalkeeper coming out and failing to get there in time, the ball seemingly deflected off Alexis Mac Allister and fell at the feet of Julian Alvarez. The Manchester City forward made no mistake from close range and put his team ahead in the 49th minute.

It was the former Barcelona superstar yet again who played a key role in helping his team to a second goal. After playing the ball through the Canadian defence, Lautaro Martinez was left with the simple task of placing it beyond the keeper in the 88th minute.

This goal killed off the tie, and Argentina walked away with all three points. After the match, Messi posted an Instagram story with his teammates in the tunnel and captioned it:

"First step."

Messi will be incredibly important to Argentina's chances of lifting the Copa America this summer. To date, he's made 183 appearances across competitions for the South American nation, bagging 108 goals and 58 assists.

He will next be in action when Argentina take on Chile in a group game on Tuesday (June 25).

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Breaking down Lionel Messi's numbers in Argentina's 2-0 Copa America win against Canada

Lionel Messi

Once again, it was Lionel Messi who was the difference maker for Argenitna as they competed hard to win their opening match of this year's Copa America against Canada.

Apart from providing an assist on the night, the Inter Miami sensation played six key passes and created five big chances. However, he also missed two big chances in the match.

Overall, Messi took five shots, three of which found the target. He managed an 89% passing accuracy while completing just one of his five attempted dribbles successfully.

The former Paris Saint-Germain attacker also competed in 11 ground duels, of which he won two and also won his only battle in the air. He lost possession on 15 occasions and drew one foul for his team.