14 years after the only Argentina-Canada, the only two survivors And Messi is not there! :: Olé

The history of Argentina-Brazil, Argentina-Uruguay, Argentina-Colombia is extensive. Same with the rivals in Group A: Chile and Peru. But with Canada it is different… Jesse Marsch’s group will make its official debut in the America Cup, after Conmebol incorporated six Concacaf teams into the competition to reach 16 teams. AND The only precedent between the Albiceleste and the Reds dates back to 2010. Which Scaloneta footballers were present on that occasion?

The only time the Argentine National Team and Canada met was in a friendly match at the Monumental Stadium, in May 2010as a farewell to the 2010 South Africa World Cup. On that occasion, The team led by Diego Armando Maradona scored with authority 5-0with celebrations by Maximiliano Rodríguez (twice), Ángel Di María, Carlos Tévez and Sergio Agüero.

How had Argentina formed against Canada? Pelusa went out with Sergio Rosemary in the arch; Jonah GutierrezNicholas OtamendiNicholas Burdisso and Gabriel heinze in defense; a midfield composed of Ángel Say MariaJavier MascheranoJavier Pastore and Maximilian Rodriguez; and Carlos Tvez with Gonzalo Higuain on the attack front.

Throughout the afternoon Juan Sebastián entered VeronSergio OmenMario BolattiClement RodriguezAriel Garcé and Martín Palermo. Mariano Andújar was finally left on the substitute bench. And Messi? After a season full of games at Barcelona, Maradona decided to protect Leoconsidering that the rival did not represent a great challenge for the National Team.

From that time, Ángel Di María and Nicolás Otamendi are still part of the current squad. Lionel Messi, who is now the captain (Mascherano was the one who wore the ribbon during Diego’s cycle), did not play in that game. Therefore, this will be the first time, both for Leo and for the majority of the National Team squad, that they cross paths with Canada. How will it go?

–Argentina: Draw Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Cuti Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás Tagliafico or Marcos Acuña; Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister; Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez and Ángel Di María. DT: Lionel Scaloni.

–Canada: Maxime Crepeau; Alistair Johnston, Moise Bombito, Derek Cornelius, Alphonso Davies; Tajon Buchanan, Stephen Eustáquio, Ismael Koné, Liam Millar; Jonathan David, Cyle Larin. DT: Jesse Marsch.

Since the arrival of Lionel Scaloni, the National Team has won everything it has played: Copa América, Finalissima and World Cup. Not only were titles achieved, but a very high level of performance and play was found. Thus, The Albiceleste is the top candidate to win the trophy. Argentina has just won its last five games and, in addition, leads the standings of the South American Qualifiers.

The Canadians are a young team with great projection. They have players who stand out in European football, such as Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich), Jonathan David (Lille) and Cyle Larin (Mallorca). They were in Qatar 2022, this being their second participation in a World Cup. They were part of Group F, along with Morocco, Croatia and Belgium, where they could not score points. This will be his first Copa América.