“As we are the current world champions, we can confidently declare that we are the best team. However, that does not lead us to think that we can win this Copa América by walking,” Messi said, as reported by ESPN on June 19.
Argentina, the defending champions, defeated Ecuador 1-0 and Guatemala 4-1 to give Copa América 2024 a great start. Lionel Scaloni’s team is in Group A of the American competition and will play Canada on June 21 , Chile on June 26 and Peru on June 30.
“The game will be balanced and each opponent will be unpredictable,” Messi said. “The youth of Ecuador is excellent; They play with fierceness, character and physical strength. In addition, there are other names, such as Brazil, Uruguay and Colombia. “We are aware that Argentina needs to maintain its good performance and do even better to win the title.”
On June 14, 2024, at Landover Stadium in Maryland, USA, during a friendly match, Lionel Messi (10) of Argentina dribbles past two Guatemalan defenders. Image: AP
Ángel di María’s goal in the 2021 Copa América final at the Maracaná helped Argentina win its first major championship in 28 years, defeating Brazil 1-0. Since then, they defeated Italy 3-0 in the Intercontinental Super Cup, won the 2022 World Cup and triumphed in five of the six World Cup qualifying matches.
Meanwhile, Brazil had many questions heading into this year’s competition. Coach Dorival Junior is in charge of Brazil, which is missing its best player, Neymar, due to injury. They won only two games in the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign and lost to Croatia in a penalty shootout in the 2022 World Cup quarterfinals.
However, Messi values Argentina’s fiercest opponent. The 36-year-old forward commented: “It’s a shame that Neymar doesn’t play, but Brazil has millions of players.” “They are a tremendously competitive and powerful team. “Brazil is a serious contender and hopes to win the Copa América, just like Argentina.”
Messi acknowledged that he has not thought about retiring and will end his career at Inter Miami in an interview with ESPN on June 12. However, the 36-year-old striker stated in his most recent comment that he is not worried about the future. and simply wants to enjoy the Copa América, which will be held in the United States.
Striker Lionel Messi (No. 10) prepares to come on as a second-half substitute in Argentina’s 1-0 friendly win over Ecuador in Chicago, USA, on June 9. Photo: AP
“I know that everything is almost over, that’s why I treasure every moment we have together. When everything is over, I will definitely miss the playing days,” Messi said. “Leaving soccer in Europe to come to the United States was difficult, but I adapted quickly and wanted to enjoy every day here. I feel good right now. “I can take care of myself, continue to exercise and play like you always do.”
Argentina is a serious contender for the 2024 Copa América title, according to Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino. However, it is unclear whether Messi’s participation in this tournament will be his last with Argentina. The 61-year-old coach commented: “You watch Messi play and you don’t feel like the end is near.” “I just hope that Messi continues to enjoy playing and then decides.”
