On June 21, in the opening match of the Copa América, Argentina comfortably defeated Canada 2-0. Despite Messi’s two missed one-on-one opportunities, he provided an assist to Lautaro in the 88th minute, sealing the victory.
With eight minutes left in the game, Messi delivered a precise through ball from midfield, finding Lautaro, who calmly slotted the ball past the advancing goalkeeper, ensuring Argentina’s 2-0 lead and the win.
This marks Messi’s seventh Copa América participation, having previously played in the 2007, 2011, 2015, 2016, 2019, and 2021 editions, with one title and three runners-up finishes. In his 34 Copa América matches, he has contributed 13 goals and 17 assists, demonstrating both goal-scoring and playmaking abilities.
In his first match of this tournament, Messi once again registered an assist. Notably, he has provided assists in all six previous Copa América tournaments, making him the first player in history to assist in seven consecutive Copa América competitions.