Copa America 2024 gets underway on Thursday with Argentina — the defending champions — taking on tournament debutants, Canada.
Given the Copa America odds for this fixture, Argentina should collect all three points, but it won't be without a fight.
Find out why my Argentina vs. Canada predictions have the Canadians finding the back of the net.
Argentina vs Canada picks, predictions, and betting tips
My best bet:
Both teams to score — Yes (+115 at Betano)
My analysis
Let's start this analysis by calling a spade a spade. Argentina is far and away the deeper and more complete team, and given where the odds sit for this fixture, they should come away with all three points. However, it won't be without a fight.
Canada, while making their Copa America debut, has enough firepower up front to trouble Argentina's back line.
Jonathan David, who finished second in Ligue 1 scoring to Kylian Mbappe, will once again be the focal point in attack with Cyle Larin likely playing beside him in a more traditional 4-4-2 formation. Canada will have plenty of men behind the ball and should be able to provide service to the front two more often than not.
If we throw Alphonso Davies into the mix from his left-back/left-wing position, I believe Canada's best form of defense will be to venture forward as often as possible.
Now, that's easier said than done against the reigning World Cup and Copa America champions, but Argentina's defense has been far from impenetrable — giving up a goal to Guatemala and Costa Rica in the lead-up to the tournament.
Make no mistake about it, Arengtina will likely collect all three points here, but the Canadians will not go down without a fight.
Lionel Messi odds, prop for today
My best bet
Lionel Messi anytime goal (-133 at Betano)
My analysis
Cometh the hour, cometh the man, and Lionel Messi is the man for the job.
He's in excellent form for both club and country, netting 12 goals in 12 matches for Inter Miami and scoring twice for Argentina in their last friendly vs. Guatemala.
As is always the case with Messi, the offense flows through him, and with plenty of options and talent around him, Messi will not only play the role of provider, but he should have plenty of opportunity to bury one as well.
Argentina vs Canada same-game parlay (SGP)
Both teams to score — Yes
Lionel Messi anytime goal
Over 1.5 goals — second half
In addition to my best bet and Lionel Messi player prop, I'll include the Over 1.5 second-half goals.
I believe we are in for a treat on Thursday with both teams trading chances and this game finishing with upwards of five or six goals.
With Canada's best game plan being to attack every opportunity, Argentina could set themselves up nicely to hit on the counterattack.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Argentina vs Canada odds
| Argentina | Canada | |
|---|---|---|
| -313 | Moneyline | +925 |
| Over 2.5 (-133) | Total | Under 2.5 (+110) |
| +420 | Draw | +420 |
Odds courtesy of Betano on 6-17
Argentina vs Canada game info
| Location: | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA |
| Date: | Thursday, June 20, 2024 |
| Time: | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| Weather: | Perfect playing conditions. |
Not intended for use in MA.
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