Defending champions Argentina triumphed over Canada in the opening game of the Copa America in Atlanta, Georgia. Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez broke the deadlock four minutes into the second half with a close-range finish. Substitute Lautaro Martinez sealed the victory late on, converting a pass from Lionel Messi.
This win in Group A extends Argentina’s unbeaten streak at the Copa America to nine matches. The Albiceleste had previously won the 2021 edition in Brazil and secured third place two years earlier.
However, the match was marred by an unfortunate incident. In the aftermath of the defeat, Canada Soccer, the nation’s football governing body, revealed that one of their players had been subjected to online racist abuse.
“Canada Soccer is aware of and deeply disturbed by racist comments made online and directed at one of our men’s national team players following tonight’s match,” read a statement posted on X. “We are in communication with [governing bodies] Concacaf and Conmebol about this matter.”
Celtic defender Alistair Johnston responded robustly to a xenophobic Twitter user who criticised the diversity of the Canada National Team. Johnston, who joined Celtic in January 2023 after a stellar performance at the Qatar World Cup, delivered a sharp rebuke to the user attempting to sow division.
The post from the account seemed designed to create division within the country, but Johnston’s excellent retort showed he would not be swayed by such attacks. He demonstrated his commitment to defending his country’s remarkable diversity and unity. Canada faces Peru and Chile in their remaining group games and will be hoping for positive results to advance in the tournament.
Celtic fans are keenly watching Johnston’s performance, hoping for his success on the international stage while also wishing for his safe and healthy return to Glasgow.
The club’s supporters know the importance of having a robust defender like Johnston back in full form for the pre-season. His presence and form will be crucial as Celtic aims to build on their previous successes and prepare for a challenging season ahead.
The solidarity shown by Johnston in the face of adversity is a testament to his character and dedication. His actions go beyond football, reflecting a broader commitment to fighting prejudice and promoting inclusivity.
This incident, while regrettable, highlights the ongoing issues of racism and xenophobia in sports. The support from fans and governing bodies is vital in combating such behaviour and ensuring a respectful and inclusive environment for all players.
As the tournament progresses, Canada will need to regroup and focus on their upcoming matches. The team has the potential to make a significant impact, and with players like Johnston, they have the resilience and talent to overcome these challenges.
For Celtic supporters, the hope is that Johnston continues to shine and returns to the club even stronger, ready to contribute to their ambitions in domestic and European competitions.