Argentina vs Canada
Argentina are in for a tough test right away on the opening matchday of the 2024 Copa America, as they will square off against Canada at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
Both teams come into the game in contrasting forms, as Argentina haven’t lost across all competitions since last November, while Canada are winless in their two international friendlies.
La Albiceleste enter this tournament as the hunted because they are the defending champions, while the Maple Leafs are happy to be here, especially after the tournament committee decided to add more teams this year from 10 countries to 16.
The pre-game SBOTOP betting odds say that Argentina are going to draw first blood, but Canada are out to prove that they belong by trying to pull off a major upset.
Talking Points
Messi looking spry for Argentina
Any questions about Lionel Messi’s ability to handle a huge workload for Argentina were put to rest during the team’s 4-1 rout of Guatemala on Saturday, their last international friendly before the Copa America.
After not playing in the first half of Argentina’s 1-0 exhibition game victory over Ecuador as a “precautionary measure,” Messi played the full 90 minutes against Guatemala, and he weaved his magic as usual.
Messi scored the equaliser for Argentina when they were down by one goal after an unfortunate own goal by Lisandro Martinez, as Guatemala’s Nicholas Hagen screwed up an attempted clearance from a back pass in the 12th minute.
When Valentin Carboni was brought down inside the box in the 39th minute, Lionel Messi was asked to convert the penalty, but he passed up the opportunity and gave it to Lautaro Martinez for a 2-1 lead.
Martinez and Messi completed the demolition of Guatemala by scoring one goal apiece in the second half.
What makes Argentina dangerous is the fact that they are loaded with weapons other than Martinez and Messi, as Lionel Scaloni can rely on Angel Di Maria, Julian Alvarez, Alexis Mac Allister, and Alejandro Garnacho to create Copa America 2024 highlights.
Larin could be the x-factor for Canada
Canada will need all hands on deck to stand a chance against Argentina. While stars Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David are expected to lead the way, the Maple Leafs will also need a solid performance from Cyle Larin.
The former UConn Huskies star is coming off a decent campaign playing for Mallorca, as he finished as the team’s third-leading scorer this season with three goals and two assists, playing behind Vedat Muriqi and Abdon Prats.
Larin will form a strike partnership with Jonathan David up front, as head coach Jesse Marsch loves to play a 4-4-2 formation.
Other than Larin, David, and Davies, Argentina will also have to watch out for Tajon Buchanan, Stephen Eustaquio, and Ismael Kone.
History
Thursday marks the first-ever competitive meeting between Argentina and Canada, let alone in the Copa America.
These two teams last faced off in an international friendly in May 2010 at Buenos Aires, where Argentina won 5-0, as Maxi Rodriguez (brace), Angel Di Maria, Carlos Tevez, and Sergio Aguero all found the back of the net.
Argentina are the joint-winningest team in the Copa America with 15 titles alongside Uruguay, with their latest being in 2021, Lionel Messi’s maiden international trophy with La Albiceleste.
La Albiceleste are also the reigning World Cup champions after they conquered Qatar in 2022.
Canada are going to compete in the Copa America for the first time after withdrawing the committee’s invitation in 2001.
Angel Di Maria (31) and Lautaro Martinez (24) can move up in Argentina’s all-time scoring list as soon as Thursday, with the former claiming the solo sixth and the latter moving to seventh if they find the back of the net against Canada.
Betting Tip
The Copa America 2024 odds have Argentina as the overwhelming favourites to win on Thursday. The reigning and defending Copa America titlists are 1.29 favourites, while an upset win for Canada is priced at 8.00 and a draw is at 4.89 in the 1X2 market.
Canada can hurt Argentina, especially in the open break, but Argentina’s championship calibre and collective experience will spell the difference in this contest.
Lionel Scaloni’s men are in good scoring form, so they should outscore the Maple Leafs by a bunch to give them a rude welcome in the Copa America.
Other than our recommended bet above, you may want to check out Over 2.50 at 1.73, Over 2.75 at 1.97, or Total Goal 2-3 at 1.95.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT))
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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