Argentina vs Canada Prediction and Betting Tips: Back Martinez to Score in Tournament Opener

World Cup holders Argentina kick off their defence of the Copa America with a game against Canada and they will be expected to go through the gears at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Read below about our best bets for the game which includes a selection from the anytime goalscorer market. 

The Albiceleste have been in fine form since securing their third global title in Qatar, winning 13 and losing just one of their 14 matches.

Lionel Scaloni has selected a squad packed with experience with MLS-based superstar Lionel Messi once again the headline act.

He could feasibly name the same starting XI that featured against France at the Lusail Stadium.

Meanwhile, recently-appointed Canada coach Jesse Marsch is treating the tournament as a stepping stone to the next World Cup, which the country will co host.

The Canucks, led by their star duo of Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies, will take encouragement from their 0-0 draw against France in a recent friendly.

Concacaf nations have crumbled against Argentina 

Argentina are such an experienced and settled side it is hard to envisage them being knocked out of their stride. They begin their defence of the Copa America in much better shape than when they won it under Scaloni three years ago.

The coach has remained loyal to the same group of players for several years and results have been consistent.

And they regularly score three or more goals against Concacaf nations, such as in their three recent friendly games against El Salvador (3-0), Costa Rica (3-1) and Guatemala (4-1).

Canada, by way of comparison, are currently ranked only three places ahead of Costa Rica and drew 0-0 against Guatemala less than one year ago. Marsch will find out a lot about the character of his players in this game, which will test their technique and mentality.

But they could end up being toyed with by Messi and his team-mates, who will not be holding back in the same way France were in the pre-Euro 2024 warm-up friendly earlier this month.

Argentina have won with at least three goals in the game in six of their last eight meetings with Concacaf sides. The only exceptions to that trend were 2-0 wins over Mexico and Panama - both of whom are currently ranked higher than Canada.

Martinez can be the man for the Copa

Lautaro Martinez bagged a brace in the Albiceleste’s 4-1 win over Guatemala and may finally be ready to bury the ghosts of Qatar.

The Inter Milan striker started Argentina’s first two games of the 2022 World Cup, before being dropped from the line-up when Julian Alvarez took his place.

But Alvarez had a poor season by his standards at Manchester City and may lose out to Martinez for the starting role here.

The 26-year-old made a big impact at the last Copa America with three goals, including crucial strikes in the quarter and semi-finals, so could be the man to watch in America.

Albiceleste’s defence unlikely to be breached

Canada will be looking to hurt Argentina in transition situations but Marsch has promised to deliver an aggressive brand of football which will involve pressing their opponents.

That kind of an approach could backfire against a team with as much quality as Argentina,

Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is great with the ball at his feet and has a solid understanding with the defenders in front of him.

Argentina have kept clean sheets in seven of their last 10 matches and four of their last six Copa America games too, so a win to nil for the holders looks a distinct possibility.