Lionel Messi takes center stage again for Copa America
What is certain is that Messi, who has managed his workload to try to be in peak condition for the tournament, would relish the chance to win a third straight major tournament with his country after so many years of frustration with his national team. After facing Canada, Argentina take on Chile in New Jersey before finishing their group A action against Peru in Miami but they know that tough opposition awaits in the knock-out stage with rivals Brazil and Uruguay the two expected challengers for the title.
Lionel Messi (AFP Photo)
NEW DELHI: World champions Argentina are set to kick off an expanded Copa America on Thursday, with Lionel Messi aiming to secure a second continental title in what is likely his last appearance in the tournament.
The 108-year-old competition, being hosted by the United States, will feature six teams from the CONCACAF region joining the 10 South American nations vying for a spot in the July 14 final in Miami.
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While FIFA will be closely observing the organization of the event, two years before the World Cup co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, the tournament’s rich history and prestige ensure it is far more significant than a mere ‘trial event’.
Argentina have clinched the Copa 15 times, but only once, in 2021, during the Messi era. Coach Lionel Scaloni has largely maintained his World Cup-winning squad, with veterans Angel Di Maria and Nicolas Otamendi likely making their final appearances in a major tournament.
It remains uncertain whether this marks Messi’s farewell to elite international football. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, now playing in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami, will celebrate his 37th birthday four days after Thursday’s opener against Canada in Atlanta. He has yet to decide if he will attempt to play in a record sixth World Cup.
“It’s great to have records and continue to achieve things but I won’t take part in a World Cup just to say I’ve done six,” Messi told ESPN last week.
“If I feel good and everything is in place for me to be there, fine, but I won’t go just to go. It’s very difficult to imagine what can happen because it’s still two years away. I don’t need to commit right now to whether or not I’ll be there,” he added.
Lionel Messi, who has carefully managed his workload to reach peak form for the tournament, would undoubtedly cherish the opportunity to secure a third consecutive major title with Argentina after years of disappointment with his national team.
Following their match against Canada, Argentina will face Chile in New Jersey and conclude their group A campaign against Peru in Miami. However, they are well aware of the formidable opposition that awaits them in the knockout stage, with rivals Brazil and Uruguay expected to be the main contenders for the title.
Several familiar names are absent from Dorival Junior’s Brazil squad, including Casemiro, Gabriel Jesus, and Thiago Silva, while Richarlison and Neymar are sidelined due to injury.
The pressure will be on the Real Madrid attacking duo of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo to replicate their club form for the Selecao, and there is much anticipation surrounding the senior tournament debut of 17-year-old prodigy Endrick, who is set to join Real next month from Palmeiras.
Uruguay, also 15-time winners, has impressed under their 68-year-old Argentine coach Marcelo Bielsa, who has implemented his signature high-energy style and raised expectations with recent victories over Argentina and Brazil. Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez will spearhead the attack, although Bielsa has the option of bringing on veteran Luis Suarez from the bench.
Colombia enters the tournament undefeated in over two years, with Liverpool’s dynamic winger Luis Diaz posing a constant threat and James Rodriguez experiencing a late-career resurgence. Coach Nestor Lorenzo’s team cannot be overlooked.
The USA hopes to generate much-needed excitement after losing their way since a respectable run to the last-16 at the World Cup. Coach Gregg Berhalter is under pressure to demonstrate that his team, which relies on Christian Pulisic’s intelligent wing play, can compete with teams from outside of CONCACAF.
Mexico has frequently participated in the Copa as a guest and reached the final in 1993 and 2001, but they appear to be well below their usual standard, although they can, as always, rely on massive support in the USA.
This marks the second time the Copa America is being held in the USA, following the Centenary tournament in 2016. While this deviates from tradition, the presence of significant immigrant communities from all the participating nations should ensure large crowds at the primarily NFL stadiums being utilized.
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