Argentina kicked off their Copa America campaign with a 2-0 victory over Canada, a match brimming with drama, tension, and a standout performance by Liverpool’s Mac Allister.
The Argentine squad kicked off their Copa America journey on U.S. soil with a bang, thanks to dazzling displays from stars like Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez.
Argentina started the match appearing sluggish. They were struggling to contain Canada’s left flank, led by Alphonso Davies and ex-Liverpool winger Liam Millar. Argentina were forced to defend with a number of vital blocks.
Despite a slow start, Mac Allister nearly broke the deadlock in the first half. He ghosted into the box to meet De Paul’s cross only to see his header collected by Canada’s goalkeeper, Maxime Crepeau.
The breakthrough came shortly after the start of the second half when Messi’s incisive through ball found Mac Allister. The Liverpool star managed to poke the ball to Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez. Alvarez fired into an empty net to open the scoring.
This perfect assist was marred by a heavy collision with Crepeau, leaving Mac Allister in pain on the turf.
His teammates ran over to celebrate with him but the restart was delayed as Mac Allister needed a few minutes to get back on his feet.
Fortunately, he avoided any serious injury and played the full 90 minutes. Crepeau escaped with only a conceded goal rather than a red card.
The game remained tightly contested, with Messi missing two one-on-one opportunities on the counterattack. However, the victory was sealed in the 88th minute when Messi threaded a precise pass to Lautaro Martinez, who finished clinically to secure a 2-0 win for Argentina.
Mac Allister Shines Amidst Collision Scare
TyC Sports’ Gaston Recondo rated Mac Allister’s performance a six out of ten, noting his slow start but eventual effectiveness. He explained, that it “took him a long time to get into the game,” adding that “first he was showy and then effective.”
Hernan Claus of Ole gave him a seven out of 10, noting his “key participation” in the opener and praising him as “critical in passing.”
The Liverpool midfielder was heavily involved throughout the match, with only Messi (12) contesting more duels for Argentina than his 11, of which he won six.
Additionally, only goalkeeper Emi Martinez (eight) made more recoveries than Mac Allister’s seven. According to FotMob, Mac Allister created the third-most chances for Argentina with two and the joint-third most touches in the opposition’s box with four.
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