Lionel Messi had a rare off-night in front of goal as Argentina made a winning start to their Copa America title defense on Thursday night.
Second-half goals from Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez sealed an opening victory for the reigning champions at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Yet it could have been even more comfortable for them had Messi not uncharacteristically fluffed his lines on two separate occasions.
The 36-year-old soccer great first squandered a superb chance to double Argentina’s lead in the 64th minute, when he took the ball round the keeper before Canada’s Derek Cornelius somehow denied him with the goal gaping.
And 14 minutes later Messi was left red-faced once more when he raced through on goal and saw a chipped effort trickle past the post.
More to follow.
Lionel Messi had a rare off-night in front of goal as Argentina made a winning start to their Copa America title defense