Canada Sport News

Jersey exchange between Canada's Davies and Argentina's Messi following Copa America opener

Jersey exchange between Canada’s Davies and Argentina’s Messi following Copa America opener

June 21, 2024

Two of soccer’s best shared a nice moment after Canada fell to Argentina 2-0 at the opener of the 2024 Copa America on Thursday.

Canadian Alphonso Davies and Argentina’s Lionel Messi, the captains for their respective sides, exchanged jerseys after the game.

It’s not the first time that Davies and Messi have done the classic jersey swap.

Two years ago, when the two faced off in the Champions League when Davies and Bayern Munich took on Messi’s PSG, Davies got the shirt off Messi’s back.

The 23-year-old Canadian superstar loved the exchange so much, he had it framed. On Thursday, Davies clearly wasn’t going to miss a chance to add another one to his collection.

In terms of the actual game, Messi outdueled Davies to help Argentina start its Copa America defence with a win.

In his record 35th career Copa America game, Messi was held off the scoresheet, but played an important part in both of Argentina’s goals. He first threaded a dangerous ball into the Canada penalty box that eventually ended up in a Julian Alvarez goal. Then Messi found substitute Lautaro Martinez with a perfect pass for an 88th-minute goal.

Messi had three high-danger chances to score one himself but was unable to beat Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau.

Davies and the Canadians had a number of close chances too, but were unable to get on the scoresheet. They’ll look to get on the board for the first time in the tournament when they take on Peru on Tuesday.

In a heartwarming display of sportsmanship and mutual respect, Canada’s rising star Alphonso Davies and Argentina’s legendary forward Lionel Messi exchanged jerseys following their teams’ Copa America opener. The gesture, which took place after Argentina’s 1-0 victory over Canada, highlights the camaraderie and admiration that exists among players on the international stage.

Davies, who plays for Bayern Munich in the German Bundesliga, has been making waves in the soccer world with his exceptional speed, skill, and versatility. At just 20 years old, he has already established himself as one of Canada’s most promising talents and a key player for the national team. His performance against Argentina, despite the loss, earned him praise from fans and critics alike.

On the other hand, Messi needs no introduction. The six-time Ballon d’Or winner is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time and has achieved numerous accolades throughout his illustrious career. His presence on the field commands respect and admiration from opponents and teammates alike.

The jersey exchange between Davies and Messi symbolizes the passing of the torch from one generation to the next. While Messi represents the pinnacle of success and excellence in soccer, Davies represents the future and potential of the sport. The mutual admiration between the two players transcends national boundaries and serves as a reminder of the universal language of football.

This gesture also underscores the importance of sportsmanship and camaraderie in the world of professional sports. Despite being fierce competitors on the field, players can still show respect and appreciation for each other’s talents and achievements. The exchange of jerseys is a tradition that has become a symbol of mutual respect and friendship among athletes.

As Canada and Argentina continue their journey in the Copa America tournament, fans can look forward to more exciting matches and displays of skill from both teams. The jersey exchange between Davies and Messi serves as a reminder of the beauty and unity that sports can bring to people from different backgrounds and cultures. It is a moment that will be remembered by fans for years to come.