"Gives you calmness because you suffer a lot when you start with a loss" - Lionel Messi reacts after Argentina's win over Canada
Lionel Messi has admitted that he feels a sense of calmness after Argentina's win over Canada in their Copa America opener on Thursday (20 June). He highlighted that this was the first time they managed to start a tournament with a win under Lionel Scaloni's management.
La Albiceleste secured a 2-0 victory over Canada in their first Copa America group-stage fixture, courtesy of goals from Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez. Messi gave an excellent performance against the Canadians, setting up Martinez's second-half strike.
Argentina have been known to start major tournaments poorly under Scaloni. La Albiceleste started the 2019 Copa America with a 2-0 defeat to Colombia and were later knocked out by Brazil in the semi-finals.
They also started their 2021 Copa America with a draw against Chile and the 2022 FIFA World Cup with a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia. However, Argentina went on to win both of those tournaments.
Speaking after his side's win over Canada, Lionel Messi said (via ESPN):
"It [the win] gives you calmness because you suffer a lot when you start with a loss. We had not experienced it [to start a tournament with a win] before under [Argentina coach Lionel] Scaloni."
He added:
"From the beginning, this group proved it is a team and that is how we have achieved what we have achieved. The only path to be able to achieve it again is to continue in this manner."
Lionel Messi set a new record after making his 35th appearance in the 2024 Copa America against Canada, becoming the only player to feature in seven editions of the tournament.
"I think that's the big takeaway from it" - Pundit details 'slight adjustment' Lionel Messi must make after Argentina's win over Canada
While Lionel Messi grabbed an assist and helped Argentina secure all three points in their Copa America opener, ESPN pundit Shaka Hislop has highlighted an adjustment that needed to be made.
Hislop believes that Messi's display against Canada showed why he needed a few games to reacclimate himself to international football after playing in the MLS with Inter Miami.
He said:
"You take a game or two to get back into top speed, I think that's the big takeaway from it. All the parts are still there, they were all evidenced there except that finishing touch.
"Maybe playing in the MLS, he has half a second more and is able to be a little more comfortable, bit more controlled in those little dinks he likes to go for. But, given what we've seen, I think it's just a slight adjustment for Lionel Messi."
Argentina are at the top of the Group A table after their victory over Canada. La Albiceleste will face Chile in their second group-stage fixture of the 2024 Copa America on 25 June.