Copa America Preview: Argentina tough test for debutant Canada

When the final whistle blew on March 23, sealing Canada’s 2-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago and the squad's place in the 2024 Copa América, Canadian players and fans were euphoric, jumping up and down, hugging and hollering, excited about the opportunity to play in one of soccer’s largest national men's team tournaments for the first time.

But once the elation wore off, the reality of the situation hit — Canada’s first match at the CONMEBOL and CONCACAF showpiece would be against reigning World Cup champion Argentina. In other words, not exactly the easiest opponent for the debutant to face on Thursday in Atlanta.

In the past three months, Canada has done all it can to prepare for the marquee match, including hiring experienced and lively head coach Jesse Marsch, and setting up two important friendlies with the Netherlands and France earlier in June. While the odds are certainly against Marsch’s squad, if the sport has taught us anything, it’s that nothing is impossible. 

Read on for key storylines, players to watch and more on the eve of the opening match at Copa América 2024.

Quick hits

• Canada and Argentina’s match will kick off Copa América on June 20 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The tournament will run until July 14 and feature 16 teams from CONMEBOL and CONCACAF federations.

• Canada and Argentina are part of Group A, which also features Peru and Chile.

• On Monday, Marsch named Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies as Canada’s tournament captain. Porto’s Stephen Eustáquio will be vice-captain.

• Argentine superstar Lionel Messi will become Copa America’s most capped player if he gets minutes on Thursday. However, the 36-year-old Messi may not see the pitch, as it’s possible he could be rested for later group games.

• Canada’s top scorer on the squad is Cyle Larin (29), and its most capped player is Jonathan Osorio (72).

• Argentina’s top scorer and most capped on the squad is Messi with 108 goals in 182 games.

David vs. Goliath

It’s safe to say that Thursday’s match is a classic David vs. Goliath tale. On one hand, we have Canada, the younger, smaller and less regarded team, against Argentina, the soccer giant and predicted winner of Copa América.

Let’s start with Argentina. The reigning World Cup and Copa América champion has conceded only four goals in 14 matches since its World Cup final against France a year-and-a-half ago. In its last 58 matches, Lionel Scaloni’s side has lost only twice, which is nothing short of remarkable.

On the pitch, Argentina is adaptable, often playing in either a 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 formation. La Albiceleste’s dominance comes from ball control, possession, and pressing in the final third to put opponents under pressure and force mistakes. Because Argentina is so good in tight spaces, players such as Alexis Mac Allister, Ángel Di Maria, Julián Álvarez and Enzo Fernández can pass in triangles and rotate amongst each other up the pitch. This fluid, “dance-like” display can be tough to defend against, especially with the pace the South Americans possess. Scaloni is also spoiled with choice when it comes to selecting his lineup for almost every position. This depth certainly keeps Argentina fresh, not just for the full 90 minutes but for the entire tournament.

That said, Argentina is not without faults. In a 2-0 loss to Uruguay last November, Scaloni’s side was caught off guard by long balls, and fell victim to breaks. This is an area Canada should look to exploit, as Marsch has speedy, creative players in Davies and Ismaël Koné, who excel in these kinds of situations.

Moving on to Canada, what’s particularly interesting about the Marsch era is how flexible the squad seems to be. In its 4-0 loss to the Dutch earlier in June, Canada had a high press, quick start and a strong aerial presence. However, things quickly fell apart after Ronald Koeman’s side found control of the midfield.

Against France a few days later, Les Rouges were able to bounce back with renewed faith. Canada showed organization, patience and controlled pace. Intelligent passes and regaining possession proved the squad was capable of playing much more mature soccer, while accurately implementing Marsch’s tactical changes. While it wasn’t Didier Deschamps’ best lineup, the takeaway is that Canada is able to take on some of the world’s best teams and not completely lose its cool.

Players to watch

Ismaël Koné, Canada
While Davies, Tajon Buchanan and Jonathan David are household names in Canadian soccer, Koné is the new kid on the block. The 22-year-old shined for Watford of England's second-tier division in what was otherwise a dismal campaign, ranking in the 91st percentile for progressive carries per 90 minutes. With 19 caps and two goals in a Canada shirt, Koné is known for bursts of pace, stability in the midfield and creating goal-scoring opportunities. After a Man of the Match performance in Canada’s 0-0 draw with France on June 9, Canadian fans will hope he can do the same against Messi & Co.

Lautaro Martínez, Argentina
Lautaro Martínez is in the form of his life. For Inter Milan this past season, he scored 27 goals in all competitions, 24 of which came in Serie A where he helped his club to another title. While Martínez has often been in competition with Manchester City’s Álvarez for the striking spot opposite Messi, the 26-year-old rose to the occasion in a recent Copa América tune up, scoring twice for Argentina its 4-1 win over Guatemala on June 14. Known for his positioning inside the box, finishing ability and work rate, Martínez will be key in helping Argentina open its tournament in good fashion.

Predicted lineups
Canada (4-4-2)
Maxime Crépeau – Alphonso Davies (C), Derek Cornelius, Moïse Bombito, Alistair Johnston – Liam Millar, Stephen Eustqáquio, Ismaël Koné, Tajon Buchanan – Cyle Larin, Jonathan David.

Argentina (4-3-3)
Emiliano Martínez – Nahuel Monila, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás González – Giovanni Lo Celso, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández – Ángel Di Maria, Lautaro Martinez, Julián Álvarez.