Argentina Vs Canada- Expected Starting Lineups, Injuries, Team News, H2H Stats, Live Streaming & How To Watch Lionel Messi & Copa America On TV

The soccer festival is about to get bigger. With the 2024 Euros having taken the spotlight until now, it’s time for America to show its mojo. Copa America kicks off tomorrow, and the whole world cannot wait to see the most talented soccer players grace the field. And what better way to start than to see the best team in the world, Argentina kick off the carnival against a decent Canada side? The fans are excited to see Lionel Messi and his team take the field, but the Canadian side cannot be taken for granted, especially after surprising Kylian Mbappe’s France with a goalless draw in the friendlies last week.

Is the Argentinian squad good enough to defend their 2021 title? Are there any injury concerns for both teams? Let’s take a look at all you need to know about the clash.

Argentina vs Canada: All you need to know

Injury and Team News

Argentina: La Albiceleste would have been deeply worried about injuries a month ago with Messi’s physical condition under repeated attacks. The captain suffered regular issues with scar tissue and hamstring injuries after joining Inter Miami. However, he is deemed fit and will lead the team in what could possibly be his last major international tournament. There is still no clarity regarding the defender Germán Pezzella, who suffered a muscle injury in May while playing for Real Betis.

Coach Scaloni expressed that Pezzella was responding well and hadn’t been removed from the squad, but whether he would start among such stiff competition is still doubtful. Meanwhile, the manager is also uncertain about his midfield, as only one spot is available for Enzo Fernandez or Alexis Mac Allister.

Canada: The North American side is ready to go with a fit squad just like Argentina. However, they will miss their backup winger Junior Hoilett, who was injured during training and has been replaced by defender Joel Waterman.

Expected starting lineups

Argentina Predicted XI: Emi Martinez (GK); Nicolás Otamendi, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Marcos Acuna;Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul, ; Lionel Messi, Angel Di Maria, Lautaro Martinez

Canada Predicted XI: Maxime Crepeau (GK); Alistair Johnston, Moïse Bombito, Derek Cornelius, Alphonso Davies; Tajon Buchanan, Ismael Kone, Stephen Eustqáquio, Liam Millar; Jonathan David, Cyle Larin.

Head-head

Argentina may go in as favorites, but the match will feature an important match-up. Captain Alphonso Davies has never lost a game against Lionel Messi at the club level, winning all three previous encounters while playing for Bayern Munich. However, the two national teams have faced each other only once before, in 2010, when Argentina emerged victorious with a 5-0 win.

When and where to watch the match?

The game will kick off at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on June 20th, 2024 at 2000 hrs ET/ 1700 hrs PST. Fans can watch the game live on Fox Sports 1, Univision and TUDN.