Messi starts, sellout crowd, Argentina vs Canada Copa America opener

70,000 passionate Argentina fans, including Messi supporters, packed Mercedes-Benz Stadium for Copa America opener against Canada. Messi's presence electrified the crowd.

The atmosphere at Mercedes-Benz Stadium was electric as 70,000 passionate Argentina fans, adorned in sky blue and white stripes, gathered alongside a few red-clad Canadian supporters for the Copa America opener. The anticipation was palpable as Lionel Messi's World Cup champion Albiceleste prepared to face off against the determined Canadian team.

Fans from all over South America, Central America, the United States, and beyond made the pilgrimage to witness their beloved hero and his teammates kick off their Copa America title defense. Donning Messi's iconic No. 10 jersey, as well as gear from his former clubs Inter Miami and Barcelona, the supporters exuded unwavering loyalty. They sang, danced, and proudly displayed Messi hats, scarves, and tattoos, creating a sea of blue and white in the stadium.

The fervent atmosphere reached a crescendo as the fans chanted "Messi! Messi!" upon seeing their captain's entrance on the jumbo screens. The stadium reverberated with excitement as the Argentina players took to the field for warmups, met with thunderous applause. In contrast, the Canadian team faced a chorus of jeers from the passionate crowd.

As the match began, all eyes were on Messi, who led his team onto the field as the starting lineup was revealed. While Argentina boasted a star-studded roster, questions lingered about the midfield and No. 9 positions. On the other side, Canada's lineup featured familiar names such as Davies, Larin, and David.

Argentina's recent Copa America success, including a victory over Brazil in 2021, added to the anticipation surrounding the match. With three finals appearances in the past four tournaments, the Albiceleste were eager to showcase their prowess once again. Following their Copa America triumph, they went on to secure the World Cup trophy, solidifying their status as a football powerhouse.

The clash between Argentina and Canada promised to be a thrilling spectacle, with fans eagerly awaiting the outcome of the highly-anticipated opener. As the teams took to the field, the stage was set for a showdown between two formidable opponents, each vying for victory in the prestigious tournament.