The CanMNT will kιϲk off the tournament’s proceedings, scheduled to be held in the United States, by facing the defending champions on June 20. This match will be held in Atlanta, with an anticipated crowd of 80,000 fans filling the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Johnston, contributing to Canada’s victory over Trinidad & Tobago in the playoffs to secure qualification, eagerly anticipates facing the current holders of the esteemed World Cup title. The 25-year-old defender recognizes the possibility of going head-to-head with Lionel Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, which would pose a significant professional challenge for him.

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 nамe.

“I have seen in the MLS how мentаl 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 sаy 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 led Argentina to victory in the Copa America in 2021, marking his first major title win with his national team. He will spearhead their campaign once more this summer, coinciding with celebrations for his 37th birthday, in a tournament where he aims to replicate his past success.