‘Hope Lionel Messi stays on the other side of the pitch!’ - Canada & Celtic star Alistair Johnston ready for Copa America test in front of ‘80,000 screaming’ fans

The CanMNT will have the honour of opening that tournament, which will take place in the United States, when facing the reigning champions on June 20. The contest will take place in Atlanta, with 80,000 fans set to be packed into the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Johnston, who played his part in Canada overcoming Trinidad & Tobago to secure qualification through the playoffs, is looking forward to lining up against the current holders of the prestigious World Cup crown. The 25-year-old full-back is, however, aware that he may come into direct competition with eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi – which would present him with the biggest of professional tests.

Johnston has said of facing the Inter Miami forward: “It’s exciting to have qualified and in the first match we’ve got Argentina which will be good. I hope Messi stays on the other side of the pitch! Even though it’s in America it will be 99 percent full with Messi jerseys so that’ll be fun but we’re kind of used to that now with the national team over there. It is the opening game, the opening ceremony, so I think they are expecting Messi to put on a show which is why they have put it on as the first one. So, yeah, it is my job as a defender to hopefully quieten that down but we are ready for the 80,000 screaming his name.

“I have seen in the MLS how mental it is over there and I think it will be no different in Atlanta. I’ve never played against him before but I have a couple of friends who have and they say he is a joy. He looks like he is just walking about so you just turn your head for one second. You lose the ball and turn your head back and he is gone! But that whole Argentinian team is extremely talented – you don’t win a World Cup with just one player.”

Messi inspired Argentina to Copa America glory back in 2021, as he landed a first senior honour with his country, and will be leading the charge once again this summer in a tournament that will include his 37th birthday celebrations.