Argentina will kick-start their Copa America defence when they take on Canada at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Argentina will kick off their Copa America title defence against Canada on Thursday at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. This marks Canada’s debut in the Copa America, having secured their spot through a playoff victory against Trinidad and Tobago.
Argentina, the reigning champions, won the 2021 Copa America by defeating Brazil in the final, earning their first title since 1993 and giving Lionel Messi his first international trophy. They followed this success with a spectacular performance at the 2022 World Cup, where they triumphed over France in a dramatic penalty shootout to claim their first World Cup title since 1986.
Under Lionel Scaloni, Argentina has been in impressive form, winning 13 of their last 14 matches since the World Cup, and losing only once. Their recent warm-up games included a narrow 1-0 victory over Ecuador and a dominant performance against Guatemala, extending their winning streak to five matches following an unexpected loss to Uruguay in October.
Heading into the tournament, Argentina is expected to dominate Group A, which also includes Canada, Chile, and Peru. Their last encounter with Canada was in a friendly match in May 2010, where a Diego Maradona-led side secured a 5-0 victory.
Canada, participating in the Copa America for the first time, secured their place by winning a playoff against Trinidad and Tobago with goals from Cyle Larin and Jacob Shaffelburg. The Canucks failed to qualify directly through the CONCACAF Nations League but showcased their quality in the playoff.
With an eye on gaining experience for the 2026 World Cup, which they will co-host with the USA and Mexico, Canada sees this tournament as a valuable opportunity to compete against top-tier teams. Under new manager Jesse Marsch, appointed last month, Canada is looking to make an impact. Marsch, who previously managed Leeds United, started his tenure with a heavy 4-0 defeat to the Netherlands but saw his team respond positively with a goalless draw against France.
As the tournament opener approaches, both teams are set to bring their best, with Argentina aiming to continue their dominance and Canada looking to gain valuable experience and test their mettle against some of the best teams in the world.
The Hard Tackle delves into the potential elevens and tactics for this clash.
Team News & Tactics
Argentina
Following Argentina’s win over Guatemala, head coach Lionel Scaloni announced his final 26-man squad for the Copa America, making the difficult decision to omit Valentin Barco, Leonardo Balerdi, and Angel Correa.
Veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi is expected to anchor the defense alongside Tottenham Hotspur’s Cristian Romero. In midfield, Scaloni is reportedly deciding between Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, and Leandro Paredes for two starting spots alongside Atletico Madrid’s Rodrigo De Paul.
Lionel Messi, who scored twice against Guatemala, will will be pivotal in their quest for success in the tournament. Lautaro Martinez ia also hitting form at the right moment and should have a key role to play.
Argentina are expected to line up in a 4-3-3 formation with Emiliano Martinez in goal. He should be protected by the back four of Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi and Marcos Acuna.
Leandro Paredes should hold the fort in midfield, with Alexis Mac Allister and Rodrigo De Paul carrying the ball forward. Lionel Messi should drop deeper to play the number 10 role, pulling the striongs for Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez to make a difference upfront.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): E Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Acuna; Mac Allister, Paredes, De Paul; Messi, L Martinez, Alvarez
Canada
Alphonso Davies and Alistair Johnston will have recovered well and should be raring to go on the night. Canada are expected to line up in a traditional 4-4-2 formation on the night.
Jesse Marsch is expected to line up with Maxime Crépeau in goal. He is ecpected to line up behind the back four of Alistair Johnston, Moise Bombito, Derek Cornelius, and Alphonso Davies.
Stephen Eustáquio and Ismaël Koné should hold the fort in central midfield, freeing up Jonathan David to act as the playmaker while also aiming to find the back of the net. Cyle Larin should partner him upfront, with Tajon Buchanan and Liam Millar providing the width.
In their first ever Copa America campaign, Canada will aim to make a difference. The gfoalless draw against World Cup finalists France will give them confidence and they will hope to go one better against the defending World champions.
Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Crepeau; Johnston, Bombito, Cornelius, Davies; Buchanan, Eustaquio, Kone, Millar; David, Larin
Key Stats
- Argentina and Canada have faced off just once before. This happened back in 2010 where the South Americans won 5-0.
- Argentina have made the final of the Copa America five times in the last seven editions of the competition.
- Argentina successfully defended their Copa America title most recently in 1947.
- Canada have never played in the Copa America before.
- Argentina have won the competition 15 times in their history, joint top ion competition history alongside Uruguay.
Player to Watch
Alexis Mac Allister
While Lionel Messi is Argentina’s heartbeat, Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister is the brain in the middle of the park. The midfielder’s ability to progress the ball and pave the way for Messi and Co to push forward adds a fresh dimension to Scaloni’s outfit.
Mac Allister’s vision and drive will be key for Argentina to unlock deeper defences and get them out of tight spots. The ability to link the defence to the attack will certainly make life easier for the defending champions.
Prediction
Argentina 3-1 Canada
Canada have an excellent opportunity to test themselves against world football’s premier international side and will hope to make an impact. However, Argentina have enough strength in depth and match winners on the field to sway the tide in their favour. Having David square off against the sloewr Otamedi could give Canada some joy but the game should prove to be a convincing win for Argentina.