Argentina began their Copa America defence with a 2-0 victory over Canada in Atlanta, with Lionel Messi assisting on both goals.

Messi’s through ball found Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez, who gave the world champions the lead in the 49th minute following Canada’s tenacious first half in the tournament’s opening encounter.

The Inter Miami star then set up Lautaro Martinez for a late goal to secure Argentina’s third straight title after winning the Copa America in 2021 and the World Cup in 2022.

Canada was making their Copa America debut and playing their first competitive encounter under American coach Jesse Marsch, who took over in May after leaving Leeds United.

Argentina picked eight players who began the 2022 World Cup final victory over France 18 months ago, but it was Messi, 36, who stole the show at a noisy Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Georgia.

He set up the first goal by heading a pass through the Canadian defence to Alexis MacAllister. The Liverpool midfielder side-footed to Álvarez while crashing into onrushing goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau approximately eight yards out, leaving Álvarez with almost empty net to chip in his ninth international goal.

Messi added to his Copa America assist record by passing to Inter Milan’s Martínez, who scored.

The event will be held in fourteen US stadiums, with six nations from North and Central America and the Caribbean joining the ten South American teams.

Argentina will next play Chile on Tuesday in East Rutherford, New Jersey, followed by Peru on June 29 in Miami Gardens, Florida.

On Sunday, the host nation will begin their campaign against Bolivia in Arlington, Texas.