Copa America kicks off with Canada vs. Argentina on Thursday.
The pregame narrative: Lionel Messi and company look to start the tournament with an emphatic win over Canada. I'm backing Argentina to grab the lead early and hold on for the win while also expecting a few goals to be scored along the way.
Check out these Canada vs. Argentina picks for June 20.
Canada vs. Argentina picks
Click link to add selection to betslip. Note: Lines have changed/market no longer available if grey.
| Picks | Odds | Bet now ⬇️ |
| Argentina half time/full time | -106 | Add to betslip |
| Over 2.5 goals | -130 | Add to betslip |
Go to full Canada/Argentina betting markets.
Canada vs. Argentina picks
Best Bet: Argentina half time/full time (-106)
Argentina is the favourite to win the tournament (+175), and for good reason.
The reigning World Cup Champions still have the pleasure of deploying arguably the greatest player of all time, Messi, who is expected to dominate on the international stage once again.
Canada, a long shot to win Copa America (+6,600), doesn't have the same firepower as their counterpart.
Les Rouges were able to sneak into the tournament with a playoff win over Trinidad and Tobago. So naturally, they are rewarded with an opening match against FIFA's No. 1 ranked nation.
There isn't much value in betting Argentina on the moneyline at -285. They're a more palatable -124 to lead at half, so let's add those two plays together to find some value.
Players like Angel Di Maria, Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez complement Messi well and provide depth up front and in the midfield.
Canada was on a tear under John Herdman but lost its momentum when the manager left for Toronto FC.
The squad has star power with Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David but lacks the quality of depth needed to keep up with Argentina.
Key stat: Argentina has led at the half and gone on to win in three of their four matches played in 2024.
Quick pick
Over 2.5 goals (-134): This Canada squad has decent attacking options with a front line and midfield made up of guys who play their club soccer in Europe at the highest level.
That includes the previously mentioned Davies and David but also Stephen Eustaquio, Tajon Buchanan and Ismael Kone.
If there's one side of the ball this team excels on, it's offence. That wouldn't be apparent by looking at its zero shots on target in a friendly against France on June 9, but Les Rouges controlled a lot of the second half of play and even hit the crossbar.
They looked dangerous in the opposition's half and should have a solid chance to get on the score sheet on Friday.
Even if Canada is held scoreless, Argentina provides plenty of threats to cash this ticket.
The dynamic offence has scored three or more goals in three of their four friendlies leading into the tournament.
Picks made at 9:22 a.m. on 06/18/24.
