Argentina starts Copa America title defense strong

The 2-0 scoreline doesn't do the defending champs' performance justice. The South Americans outshot their opponent 19 to 10. Their nine shots on target produced an expected goals of 3.02 compared with Canada's 1.16. 

Canada can thank goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau that the scoreline didn't get ugly. He had six saves on the night, including this one early to keep his side in it.

Nothing separated the sides at halftime. Four minutes out of the break, Manchester City striker and World Cup winner Julian Alvarez broke the deadlock. It was the 24-year-old's eighth goal for his country.

Shortly after, Lionel Messi had a glorious chance to make it two but was denied twice by the goalkeeper and the defender. 

With the game waning down and Argentina feverishly berating Crepeau's goal, Messi had another break away to put the game to bed, inexplicably putting it wide.

Despite not getting a much-deserved goal on the night, the Inter Miami playmaker found teammate Lautaro Martinez through a sea of red jerseys. He toe-poked one through the goalkeeper's legs to ensure all three points for the Argentinians. 

The missed opportunities for Messi overshadow the challenge Canada presented Argentina in the first half. Luckily for the South Americans, a vital piece of their previous Copa America and World Cup wins continues to step up when called upon. 

With Emiliano Martinez in good form, Messi's ability to find himself in threatening positions and goal contributions from its young stars, Argentina looks formidable in a major tournament yet again.

In what could be Messi's last ever Copa America, his squad looks to bring him home another illustrious piece of hardware.