Striker Lionel Messi admitted he could have done better in the face-offs in Argentina’s 2-0 win over Canada in Group A of the 2024 Copa America.

“I had a few chances to score. If we had taken advantage of them, we could have controlled the game earlier and been calmer,” Messi said after the match at Mercedes-Benz in Atlanta. “But I’m happy that the team started the tournament with a win.”

A crowd of 70,564 packed the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on June 20 to watch the opening match of the 2024 Copa America, but did not see Messi score. The Argentine captain had his first chance in the 10th minute, but his left-footed shot went wide of the post. In the second half, Messi missed two more chances against goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau.

Messi faces goalkeeper Crepeau in Argentina’s 2-0 win over Canada in the first round of Group A of Copa America 2024 on the morning of June 21. Photo: AFA

However, the 36-year-old striker still had a hand in both goals for Argentina in the opening match. Messi passed the ball to Alexis Mac Allister to enter the penalty area and then passed to Julian Alvarez to shoot into an empty goal, then assisted Lautaro Martinez to finish close to the goal to seal a 2-0 victory.

Messi also set two records, making his 35th start and becoming the first player to provide an assist in seven Copa Americas. “We knew it would be tough against Canada,” the Inter Miami forward added. “They were physically strong, they played strong, especially in the first half. We improved and played better in the second half.”

Mercedes-Benz is the home of Atlanta United and has an artificial pitch. At the request of the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL), the stadium will be covered with grass for the 2024 Copa America.

Coach Lionel Scaloni was unhappy with the organizers as well as the Mercedes-Benz stadium. “They knew the match would be held here seven months ago, but the grass was only laid two days ago,” said the 46-year-old coach. “Luckily we won, otherwise I would have been criticized for making excuses for the defeat.”

Similarly, Emiliano Martinez criticised the Mercedes-Benz pitch as a disaster and wanted the organisers to change it. “The pitch is very uneven. We have to improve in this aspect, otherwise the Copa America will always be at a lower level than the Euro,” said the Aston Villa goalkeeper.

On this issue, Messi said: “We always try to maintain our form, regardless of the condition of the pitch. What matters is the way we play and the effort we put in. But the pitch affects the way the team plays.”

In the second match, Argentina will face Chile at Metlife Stadium in New Jersey on June 25, one day after Messi’s 37th birthday.