OGUN, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Defending Champions, Argentina beats Canada in the opening game of the Copa America in Atlanta, Georgia.
Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez opened the scoring from close range four minutes into the second half.
Substitute Lautaro Martinez confirmed the win late on when turning in Lionel Messi’s pass.
Victory in Group A stretches Argentina’s unbeaten record at the Copa America to nine matches, having won the 2021 edition in Brazil and a third-place play-off two years previously.
READ ALSO: Messi Eyes 2026 World Cup If Argentina Secures Copa America- Tagliafico
The 2022 World Cup winners face Chile next at 02:00 BST on 26 June. Canada, who are managed by former Leeds boss Jesse Marsch, meet Peru at 23:00 BST on 25 June.
In the aftermath of the defeat, Canada Soccer – the nation’s football governing body – said one of their players was subjected to online racist abuse.
“Canada Soccer is aware of and deeply disturbed by racist comments made online and directed at one of our men’s national team players following tonight’s match,” read a statement posted on X.
“We are in communication with [governing bodies] Concacaf and Conmebol about this matter.”
This year’s Copa America is being hosted in the United States with a mixture of Major League Soccer (MLS) and NFL stadiums picked as venues.
The pitch at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which is the regular home of MLS side Atlanta United and NFL franchise Atlanta Falcons, came in for criticism from Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni.
It usually has an artificial pitch but a temporary grass surface was installed for this tournament.