Lionel Messi created a new Copa America record after helping defending champions Argentina to a 2-0 win against Canada in the opening match of the tournament on Thursday night.

Forwards Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez scored second-half goals to seal the Group A victory.

Alvarez broke the deadlock in the 49th minute with Martinez ensuring victory two minutes from time.

Messi marked his record 35th match in his seventh Copa America tournament, surpassing Chilean goalkeeper Sergio Livingstone’s record of 34 appearances between 1942 and 1953. Messi made his first appearance in the Copa America in the 2007 edition.

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Also Messi is the first player to have an assist in seven different Copa Américas

After a challenging first 45 minutes, the breakthrough came when Messi’s pass led Alexis Mac Allister into the box.

The midfielder collided with oncoming Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau, allowing the ball to slip free for Alvarez to end his 13-match international goal drought.

Alvarez’s last goals came during the 2022 World Cup semi-finals against Croatia.

Messi came close to finding the back of the net in the 65th minute but his shot was saved by Crepeau and his rebound effort was headed away by defender Derek Cornelius.

He had another chance in the 80th minute but his shot rolled just wide.

Messi then set up substitute Martinez for Argentina’s second, Serie A’s top goalscorer squeezing his shot under Crepeau.

Chile and Peru, the other teams in Group A, play their opener on Friday in Arlington, Texas.

In the group’s next set of fixtures on Tuesday, Argentina face Chile while Canada take on Peru.

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