In the opening match of the 2024 Copa America, Lionel Messi emphasized Argentina’s dedication to their distinctive style following a 2-0 victory against Canada. Goals by Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez secured the win, with Messi providing an assist for Martinez. This match marked Messi’s 35th appearance in the Copa America, setting a new record for the tournament.

Messi commended his team’s performance and reiterated their commitment to their strategy. “We understand the importance of teamwork and staying true to our approach. We will continue with the same humility and desire to win,” he stated. He also noted the significance of a strong start, especially considering past challenges under coach Lionel Scaloni.

Under Scaloni’s guidance, Argentina has developed a resilient squad that maintains its unique playing style, combining strong defense with creative offense. Alexis Mac Allister’s assist for Alvarez’s goal exemplified their seamless teamwork and tactical cohesion.

However, the match was not without controversy. Canada’s coach, Jesse Marsch, criticized Argentina for returning late to the field after halftime. Marsch argued that the delay provided Argentina with an unfair advantage in the second half and called for a fine. “If we were five minutes late, we’d be fined. There’d be a big issue. Let’s see what happens with Argentina. I believe they should be fined,” he asserted.

Despite the controversy, Argentina’s performance remained the highlight. With their focus on winning the tournament, Messi and his team are determined to maintain their momentum. “We’re pleased to start with a win, but now we need to rest and prepare for Chile,” Messi added, highlighting the importance of their upcoming Group A matches against Chile and Peru.

Messi’s leadership and Argentina’s disciplined approach indicate that they are well-prepared for the challenges ahead in the tournament. Their ability to stay true to their playing style while adapting to different opponents will be key in their quest for Copa America success.

Chelsea and Newcastle United have expressed interest in signing Michael Olise from Crystal Palace. Despite a long-standing interest from Chelsea, they are aware of competition from other clubs. The 22-year-old winger, who has a release clause around £60 million, recently extended his contract with Palace until 2027.

Olise joined Crystal Palace in 2021 from Reading and has since scored 16 goals and provided 25 assists in all competitions. Last season, he scored 10 goals in 19 appearances, his best performance to date, despite missing 18 games due to injury. Olise also recorded 11 assists during the 2022-23 season, the fourth-highest in the Premier League.

Chelsea are keen to secure Olise as one of the first signings under their new manager, Enzo Maresca. The club made an official approach to Crystal Palace at a high level, indicating their serious interest. Newcastle, on the other hand, view Olise as an ideal replacement for Miguel Almiron, should they decide to sell him.

Olise, who was named in France U23’s preliminary squad for the Olympic Games by head coach Thierry Henry, also featured in the launch of Crystal Palace’s new kit for the 2024/25 season. His younger brother, Richard Olise, is already a part of Chelsea’s youth system.

According to Sky Sports News’ chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol, while Chelsea are realistic about their chances of securing a deal, they face stiff competition from clubs like Arsenal, Manchester United, and Liverpool. Last summer, Chelsea attempted to sign Olise but he opted to renew his contract with Crystal Palace instead.

As the transfer window progresses, Chelsea’s interest remains strong, but they will need to navigate significant competition to secure Olise’s signature.