Copa America football: Messi and Argentina beat Canada and devastate the state of the Atlanta field

Argentina’s Lionel Messi (C) dribbles past Canada goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau (L) during a 2024 Copa America group stage match Thursday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Photo by Erik S. Lesser/EPA-EFE

“It was like the match against Saudi Arabia in the 2022 World Cup, except we had a good pitch,” Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni told reporters, referring to the Argentines’ defeat in the first round of this tournament. “It’s better that we win, otherwise it would have seemed like an excuse.

“But they knew seven months ago that we were going to play here and they changed the pitch two days ago. It’s not an excuse, but it’s not a good pitch. Honestly, the pitch is not is not suitable for these players.”

Scaloni said the Argentines were playing “according to the pitch” and “couldn’t do much more” due to the state of the pitch. He also cited the slower passing speed.

The Falcons and Atlanta United of MLS both play on an artificial surface for their matches at the facility. Organizers of the Copa America tournament have demanded that the surface be replaced with grass.

“Two days ago it was wrong,” Scaloni said. “Then they dried out some grass boards together. It’s painted to look better than it is. The weird thing is, we knew months ago that we’d be playing here, so maybe things could have been done on the ground more quickly.”

More than 70,500 fans attended the Group A match. Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister assisted striker Julian Alvarez for the opening goal early in the second half. Messi then sent a rolling pass into the box for fellow striker Lautaro Martinez, who used his first touch to score a shot under Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau.

“The state of the pitch was a disaster,” Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez said, according to ESPN. “Very bumpy. We need to improve in this aspect, otherwise the Copa América will always appear at a lower level than the European Championship.”

Canadian defender Kamal Miller was among other players to criticize the pitch, comparing it to a stage.

Messi did not blame the pitch for Argentina’s early struggles, citing Canada’s physicality and counter-attacking. He said the Canadians made it difficult for the Argentines to find space during their offensive possessions.

“The first half cost us dearly,” Messi told reporters, according to the Miami Herald. “We didn’t find a place. But fortunately we won, that’s the most important thing.”

Argentina now leads Group A, while Canada falls to last place. Chile and Peru, who play Friday in Arlington, Texas, are the other members of the group. Messi and the Argentines will face Chile on Tuesday in East Rutherford, New Jersey. They will face Peru on June 29 in Miami Gardens, Florida.