Lionel Messi: Argentina Captain Survives Horror Tackle During 2024 Copa America Opener vs Canada

• The 2024 CONMEBOL Copa America kicked off in the USA with defending champions, Argentina, against Canada
• Argentina secured a 2-0 win over the CONCACAF country thanks to goals from Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez
• Lionel Messi was lucky to come out unscathed and completed 90 minutes after many reckless fouls from the Canucks

Lionel Messi was lucky to complete the 90 minutes and walk out unscathed during Argentina’s first match of the 2024 Copa America against Canada on June 20.

Argentina began the defence of their title with a 2-0 win over the CONCACAF country, thanks to goals from strikers, Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez.

It was the least convincing match from the world champions despite the scoreline and dominating in every area of the stats. Eye test suggests they struggled against the well-drilled Canadians.

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Messi survives reckless fouls in Copa clash

Messi was in the spotlight of the match, in what could be his final appearance at a Copa America tournament, as he would have most likely retired from international duty before the next one in four years.

He was on the end of some harsh fouls by the Canadians, one of which was from defender, Moise Bombito. As seen in footage circulating on social media, the Inter Miami star took time to get back on his feet.

Bombito went in at him with a two-footed tackle and caught his right ankle, leaving fans worried he may have suffered a serious injury, but he saw out the rest of the match.

He reached some milestones last night including a record number of appearances at Copa America, 35, and the first Argentine to assist in seven South American tournaments.

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According to AlbicelesteTalk, Messi became the player with the most goals and assists at major tournaments with 54 (26 goals, 28 assists).

Fans troll Messi after missed chances

Sports Brief also recently reported on fans trolling Argentina's Lionel Messi after the captain missed chances that could have extended their lead when the score was 1-0.

He was compared to Belgium striker, Romelu Lukaku, who has missed his last seven chances at major competitions, including three in the 1-0 Euro 2024 loss versus Slovakia.