Argentina vs Canada Prediction: Can Les Rouges make a big statement against the defending champions?

Argentina and Canada will play the opening game of the 2024 Copa America at the 71,000-capacity Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. Argentina are a record 15-time winner of the competition, while Canada are playing in this competition for the first time in their history. Can Les Rouges make a big statement against the defending champions? Below are previews, match facts, possible starting 11, expert betting tips, and odds.

World champions Argentina will begin their Copa America title defence here in high spirits. Argentina won the last edition of this competition by defeating the host country (Brazil) 1-0 in the final and went on to win the World Cup after that. They are no doubt one of the favourites to win this competition. 

Aside from that, La Selección is in hot form, having won their last 5 games. They have also lost just 2 of their previous 55 matches. Their record in the Copa America is commendable as they have won their last 6 Copa America games.  The team's captain, Lionel Messi, is still at his best despite his age. Moreso, La Albiceleste has a mix of experienced players like Lionel Messi, Otamendi, Mac Allister, Di Maria, and Martinez and also young players like Alejandro Garnacho, who recently won the FA Cup for Manchester United. 

No doubt, Canada is the underdog in this game. They are playing against the defending champions and the World champions. Moreover, Les Rouges are playing in this tournament for the first time in their history. Canada's warm-up friendlies heading into the Copa America weren't impressive, having lost 4-0 against the Netherlands and playing a goalless draw against France. The team have won 2 of their last 7 games. However, the Canucks still have enough experienced and talented players, such as Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David, to get something out of this group. Still, this opening game will be a hard nut to crack for them.

Argentina — Martinez, Molina, Otamendi, Martinez, Tagliafico, Fernandez, Mac Allister, De Paul, Di Maria, Messi, Martinez.

Canada — Crepeau, Johnston, Bombito, Cornelius, Davies, Buchanan, Kone, Eustaquio, Miller, Larin, David.

• Argentina recorded a 5-0 win in the only game played against Canada in their history.
• Argentina have lost just 2 of their last 55 matches in all competitions.
• Canada have failed to find the back of the net in their last 2 outings.
• Argentina have won their last 6 matches in the Copa America.

Messi led his team to World Cup glory in 2022, and no doubt he still has the strength to do the same this time. With this, I expect Messi to score in this game because he is dangerous with balls on his feet. He can score from the field, freekicks and even from the penalty spot. Moreso, I expect La Selección to win to nil. They have won to nil in 12 of their last 14 matches.

• Argentina & BTTS-NO for 1.85 odds
• HT: W1 for 1.74 odds
• Messi to Score for 1.72 odds