Argentina have kickstarted the 2024 Copa America with victory over Canada in an enthralling opening affair. Make sure you join us again over the course of the tournament with live commentary of every match including Argentina, Brazil, and the USA, as well as every knockout match later on in the competiton. It's been a pleasure bringing you all the action from Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta tonight. For now, Harrison Ryburn signing out.

Next up for Argentina is repeat of both the 2015 and 2016 Copa America final's with a clash against Chile next Tuesday in New Jersey, where three points could secure their place in the quarter-finals. Meanwhile, Canada tackle Peru in Kansas, in a match Jesse Marsch and his men will be targeting for three points to keep their hopes of progression alive.

Plenty to like about this showing from Canada tonight, who pushed the world champions hard for the vast majority. Jesse Marsch's side came with the plan of disrupting their opponents by pressing high and encouraging a fast tempo, applying a high line and bringing the game to Argentina. It forced errors on occasion, and they were able to counter down the flanks with the likes of Davies and Buchanan, before creating a couple of good chances for David, and notably Eustaquio. On another day they would have had a goal for their efforts, but they couldn't quite find the back of the net, and were punished for leaving so much space at the back. Maxime Crepeau was undoubtedly their best with a number of world-class saves in goal to keep Canada hanging on, but ultimately Argentina had the smarts to outdo them in-behind.

A winning start for Argentina to their latest Copa America campaign, but Lionel Scaloni's men have been given a far sterner test then they perhaps would have anticipated. Canada proved a quality side, and pushed Argentina in a number of areas throughout their pitch, particuarly with their high press. Romero and Martinez attempted to hold possession at the back and build out from deep, but came under pressure on a number of occasions from the high line of the Canadian defence. Inevitably they were smart enough to launch balls over the top and expose their opponents aggression with accurate long passes, creating a number of big chances for the likes of Alvarez and Messi. It was nervy for long stages though, and they took their time to work out a way past Canada's high press, with Crepeau also proving very hard to beat in goal. Many of Scaloni's men will probably be feeling the effects of this effort for a couple of days, but ultimately they came through with a clean sheet and the three points, signalling the perfect start to their Copa America defence.

Fulltime in Atlanta and Argentina have opened Copa America 2024 with a two-goal victory over Canada. It was far from comfortable for the defending South American and reigning world champions for the vast majority, but two second half goals ultimately sealed the three points, with Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez both on the scoresheet. Canada can take lots of positives out of this showing, but their Copa America debut ends with defeat, whilst Argentina shoot to the top of Group A with a win first up.

SAVE! Messi stands over the free kick, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium awaits one final moment of magic. He hits it on his left foot and curls it over the wall, but Crepeau stands tall to collect and that will signal the final whistle.

Cornelius clatters into Messi at the top of his own box, and the defender is quickly shown yellow. Messi will get the chance to finish this off with a shooting chance from set piece just outside the penalty area.

A long ball is lifted over the top by Acuna for Lautaro Martinez to chase, and the striker takes it down just inside the penalty box. His first touch is heavy though, and Cornelius desperately turns it behind for another corner. Again Argentina play it short and hold onto possession in midfield.