Copa America 2024 news: Canada Soccer says it has contacted the sport’s governing body after one of the Canadian players received racist abuse online following their 2-0 defeat to Argentina in their opening match of the Copa America on Thursday (06/20).

Canada Soccer did not release the player’s name, but central defender Moise Bombito, who is black, was the victim of online insults after a violent tackle on Lionel Messi, during which he touched the Argentina captain’s ankle.

“Canada Soccer is aware of and deeply troubled by the racist comments made online and directed towards one of our men’s national team players following tonight’s match,” they said in a statement.

“We are in communication with CONCACAF and CONMEBOL on this issue,” he said, referring to American soccer’s governing body.

Posting on social media after the match, Bombito wrote: “My lovely Canada,” adding a heart emoji. “There’s no room for that.”

Earlier this week, world football’s governing body (FIFA) announced that social media tools designed to protect players from online abuse would be available to all 211 member associations and their teams. This step should help reduce similar incidents in the future.

In this match, Argentina managed to win thanks to goals from Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez, giving the defending champions three points. Meanwhile, Canada finds itself at the bottom of Group A and faces a tough challenge to advance to the next round.

Article keywords: Canada, Copa America 2024, Canada Soccer