Argentina, the reigning champions, defeated Canada 2-0 in the inaugural Copa America match on Thursday in Atlanta. The victory was sealed in the second half by goals from Lautaro Martinez and striker Julian Alvarez.

Canada created some opportunities in the first half with their accurate pressing, but Angel di Maria of Argentina squandered a fantastic opportunity to score after making a driving run from his own half.

Lionel Messi’s exquisite pass to Alexis Mac Allister, who pushed it past the sprinting Maxime Crepeau in the goal for Canada, four minutes into the second half, set up a simple finish for Alvarez, giving Lionel Scaloni’s squad the lead.

Canada rallied strongly after losing, but Nicolas Otamendi, Argentina’s seasoned centre back, gave the team much-needed defensive stability. Martinez, a substitute, scored to complete the score in the 88th minute after receiving a pass from Messi.