Argentina vs. Canada lineups, starting 11, team news: Messi starts alongside Alvarez in Copa America 2024 opener | Sporting News Canada

Lionel Messi and Argentina will seek to continue their incredible run of success at the 2024 Copa America, where their campaign gets underway against Canada at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium. 

The holders battled to glory at the 2021 Copa, ending Messi’s long wait for a major international honour. The Albiceleste followed that up in unforgettable fashion as they lifted the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Throw in the 2022 Finalissima triumph over European champions Italy and an undefeated start to qualification for the 2026 World Cup — including a historic victory over Brazil at the Maracana — and it adds up to a dazzling golden era under Lionel Scaloni.

It also amounts to a daunting task for Canada and their new boss Jesse Marsch, who must hope all his star names play to their maximum.

LIVE BLOG: Follow Argentina vs. Canada live with minute-by-minute updates and commentary

Argentina vs. Canada lineups, starting 11, team news

Lionel Scaloni’s side experimented with a 4-4-2 formation in the warmups, but have reverted back to their trademark 4-3-3. Lionel Messi is joined up front by Angel Di Maria and Man City youngster Julian Alvarez, with Lautaro Martinez dropping out.

MORE: Preview the Argentina vs. Canada match with predictions and best bets

Meanwhile, Leandro Paredes is tipped to come into the midfield to replace Giovanni Lo Celso. Defender Lisandro Martinez had his fair share of injuries for Manchester United in 2023/24 but returned for the FA Cup final and started both warm-up games. Enzo Fernandez and Nico Gonzalez fall out of the XI despite rumors the latter might start at left-back.

Argentina confirmed XI (4-3-3): 23. E. Martinez (GK) — 26. Molina, 13. Romero, 25. Li. Martinez, 8. Acuna — 7. De Paul, 5. Paredes, 20. Mac Allister — 10. Messi, 9. Alvarez, 11. Di Maria.

Injured: None
Suspended: None

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Since Jesse Marsch took charge of the Canada national team, they’ve used a 4-4-2 formation with Orlando City’s Cyle Larin and Jonathan David leading the attack.

Inter Milan’s Tajon Buchanan is deployed on the right with Derek Cornelius leading from the centre of defense. Maxime Crepeau won the goalkeeping job with his clean sheet against France.

Canada confirmed XI (4-4-2): 16. Crepeau (GK) — 2. Johnston, 15. Bombito, 13. Cornelius, 19. Davis — 17. Buchanan, 8. Kone, 7. Eustaquio, 23. Millar — 9. Larin, 10. David.

Injured: None
Suspended: None

Argentina vs. Canada live stream, TV channel

USA: Argentina vs. Canada from Mercedes-Benz Stadium will be televised in the United States on FS1, with a Spanish-language broadcast via TUDN USA and Univision. Those channels are available to stream on Fubo, who are offering a FREE seven-day trial. ViX is also providing a Spanish-language stream.

UK: Friday morning’s match will be shown in the UK on Premier Sports platforms.

Canada: This match will be shown on TSN and CTV for English speakers while RDS provide French-language coverage.

Australia: Australia’s sole broadcaster for the Copa America is Optus Sport. 

India: Copa America 2024 matches are available to watch on FanCode.

If this match is not available to watch live in your location, or if you’re traveling abroad, you can use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). VPNs offer a secure and private online connection, allowing you to bypass geographical restrictions to access your favorite streaming services from any device anywhere in the world.

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