Soccer

    Copa America: Argentina vs Canada tips and predictions - Messi on target in winning start for holders

    George DempseyGeorge Dempsey20 June 2024
    Argentina forward Lionel Messi

    Argentina forward Lionel Messi

    Copa America holders Argentina have been handed a straight-forward start to life in Group A as they face Jesse Marsch’s Canada on Thursday night (Fri 0100 BST)

    Argentina arrive in the US hoping to become the second side to win three successive major tournaments as they kick off their Copa America defence against Canada.

    Lionel Scaloni’s side has been almost untouchable since losing their opening World Cup match to Saudi Arabia in Qatar, suffering just one loss to Uruguay.

    Marcelo Bielsa was the mastermind of that result and from one former Leeds boss to another, Jesse Marsch faces a tough test in his third game in charge.

    Preparations for the tournament saw them outclassed by the Netherlands in a 4-0 loss, but they did stand firm in a 0-0 draw with World Cup runners-up France.

    Still, the quality goes up at this level and this is as hard an opening match as you’ll find in world football.

     

     

     

    Canada’s defence will have to figure out a way of dealing with Lionel Messi, Angel Di Maria and Julian Alvarez at the same time.

    With Alphonso Davies, Stephen Eustaquio and Jonathan David in the side, this is arguably Canada’s best-ever crop of players, but it still isn’t enough.

    They had these players to call upon at the World Cup 18 months ago and still failed miserably because their defence betrayed them in key moments.

    Recommended Offers

    betting card

    £30 Matched Free Bet if your first Acca loses + 100 Free Spins

    New UK customers only. Min Stake: £5. Maximum Free Bet: £30. First bet on a Football, Horse Racing, Tennis, Cricket or Basketball multiple with 3+ selections. Overall odds: 3.00 (2/1) or higher. Free Bets are available upon settlement of the qualifying bet. 100 Free Spins on More Unusual Suspects (£0.10 per spin) credited on settlement of qualifying Acca bet. No wagering requirements on free spin winnings. Debit Card deposit only (exclusions apply). This offer is valid 7 days after the new account is registered. 18+ BeGambleAware.org. Full T&Cs apply #ad
    betting card

    Get up to £50 Welcome Bonus

    New customers only. Opt-in required. 100% Match Bonus up to £50 on 1st deposit of £10+. 50x wagering & game weighting applies. Debit Card deposits only (exclusions apply). This offer is valid for 7 days from your new account being registered. 18+ BeGambleAware.org. Full T&Cs apply #ad
    betting card

    Get £10 in Free Bets

    New customers only. This offer is valid for 7 days from your new account being registered. Min Deposit: £10. Free Bet awarded: £10. 1 x £10 must be wagered at odds of 1.75+ to unlock Free Bet. Debit Card deposits only (exclusions apply). Free bet will expire 7 days after the 1st deposit. 18+ BeGambleAware.org. Full T&Cs apply #ad

    The Canadians haven’t beaten a side from South America this century and with this match being so early in Jesse Marsch’s reign, it’s hard to see how they’ll be organised enough to stifle Argentina.

     

    Planet Sport Bet Copa America offer: Bet £20 pre-match, Get 10x20p free spins on Big Football Bonus if a goal is scored the in 1st half

     

    Key stats

    -  Argentina have won 13 of 14 matches since winning the World Cup

    -  Argentina kept a clean sheet in 11 of those victories

    -  Argentina have lost just two of their last 58 matches across all competitions

    -  Canada are winless in 10 meetings with South American sides this century

    -  Canada lost 4-0 to Netherlands and drew 0-0 to France in warm-up matches

     

    Suggested bets

    Argentina to win to nil

    Argentina -1.5 Asian handicap

    Lionel Messi to score