Lionel Messi has highlighted the importance of Argentina getting off to a good start in the Copa América with a 2-0 victory over Canada on Thursday in Atlanta.
Messi, who set a Copa América record by playing his 35th match, said: “It's [the win] It gives you peace of mind because you suffer a lot when you start with a loss.
“We hadn't experienced it [to start a tournament with a win] before low [Argentina coach Lionel] “Scaloni.”
However, bad starts have not hurt Argentina in recent years. They tied their first match of the 2021 Copa América with Chile, but won the tournament.
At the 2022 World Cup, Saudi Arabia defeated them 2-1, ending a 36-match unbeaten streak, and they still beat France in the final.
Argentina is now seeking its third consecutive major title and Messi said they must continue playing as a team.
“From the beginning, this group showed that it is a team and that is how we have achieved what we have achieved,” said the Inter Miami forward. “The only way to get it back is to keep going like this.”
Messi, who turns 37 on Monday, was crucial in both of Argentina's goals against Canada.
His through ball led to Julián Álvarez's first goal, before providing the assist for Lautaro Martínez's goal in the 88th minute.
“We knew it was going to be difficult,” he said. “We expected a very tough and physical game. Sometimes it is difficult for us to find spaces, but we have to continue like this. We are patient to have the ball, to move it from one side to the other.
“Most of our rivals play differently against us, we need to maintain control.”
Argentina will return to action on Tuesday when they face Chile at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
“Now we have to play against a very competitive team. [Chile]that with the arrival of [coach Ricardo] Gareca has won more,” Messi said.
