Argentina vs Canada Player Ratings as Alvarez and Martinez scores, Messi leaves a mark
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.
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
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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