Copa America 2024: Lionel Messi misses TWO huge chances in Argentina opener as fans fear 'father time' has caught up with soccer great

Lionel Messi suffered a rare off-night in front of goal as Argentina made a winning start to their Copa America campaign on Thursday night.

Second-half goals from Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez sealed an opening 2-0 victory for the holders in Atlanta, where they saw off a spirited Canada side to get their title defense up and running.

Yet, it could have been an even more comfortable night at the office had Messi not uncharacteristically fluffed his lines on two glaring occasions.

The 36-year-old soccer great first squandered a superb chance to double Argentina's lead in the 64th minute, when he took the ball round the Canada keeper before defender Derek Cornelius somehow denied him with the goal gaping.

And 14 minutes later he was left red-faced once more when he raced through on goal and saw a chipped effort trickle past the post.

Fans are not used to seeing Messi come up short in these situations, meaning some were quick to express fears that 'father time' could be catching up with him ahead of his 37th birthday in four days' time.

One wrote: 'Father Time catching up with Messi. That’s the take.'

Another claimed: 'Messi is cooked as a finisher unfortunately. Injuries and age have caught up with him. But his playmaking is still best itw.'

While one went as far to say: 'MLS ruined Messi.'