Lionel Messi off to bright start in latest quest for glory

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni expressed his unhappiness with the pitch at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium after the win, saying it was unsuitable for this level of competition.

SIDESTEP: Canada keeper Maxime Crepeau is sent for a hot dog by Lionel Messi in Thursday night's Copa America clash in Atlanta. Pic: Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

Lionel Messi's latest quest for international glory in the twilight of his career is off to a smooth start with Argentina's 2-0 win over Canada at the Copa America opening.

Despite winning accolades galore at club level from an early age, it took Messi until 34 to triumph with Argentina at a major international tournament, lifting first the 2021 Copa America then the 2022 World Cup.