Jonathan Osorio: Canada wants to make history at Copa América

Jonathan Osorio has seen and done a lot at club and national team level during his career.    

But an opportunity to represent Canada at this summer’s Copa América represents the Toronto FC captain’s first chance to compete against the best nations from South America on one of world soccer’s biggest stages.     

Osorio, 32, is the most experienced member of Canada’s 26-man Copa roster, with 72 caps to his credit. Since making his international debut in 2013, he’s played in a FIFA World Cup, the Concacaf Gold Cup and the Concacaf Nations League final. One of the nine goals he scored for his country came in a World Cup qualifier against Mexico at legendary Estadio Azteca, considered one of the greatest cathedrals of world soccer.   

Now he’ll test his wits against Lionel Messi and reigning World Cup champions Argentina in the opening match of the Copa on Thursday in Atlanta.  

In this one-on-one chat with TFC Republic, Osorio discussed why playing at the Copa is so special for him and his parents who are originally from Colombia, how he sees himself fitting into new coach Jesse Marsch’s system, and more.  

This Q&A has been lightly edited and trimmed for brevity and clarity.