Lionel Messi downplays Argentina’s Copa America chances despite being defending champions: “Not everything is about winning”
Lionel Messi agreed that his team would strive to win the Copa America again, this summer.
Lionel Messi to lead Argentina at the Copa America 2024. (via IMAGO)
Argentine skipper Lionel Messi surprisingly played down the national team’s chances of winning the Copa America for the second straight time. Contrary to their ‘favorites’ status, Messi emphasized that not everything is about winning the tournament.
The 36-year old star along with his team would hope to try and match the Spanish national team’s incredible feat of three consecutive major titles, when the Copa America kicks off on 21 June. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who hinted at retirement recently, is just a few days away from his 37th birthday. Despite being favorites to win the Copa for the second consecutive time, Messi urged fans to manage their expectations.
Speaking to America TV, the Inter Miami star emphasized that the national team would face tough competition at the Copa America. The ex-Barcelona star acknowledged that while the La Albiceleste are always seen as favorites, the increasing quality of national teams would make the tournament challenging. He stressed the importance of not taking victories for granted and that winning isn’t everything. Additionally, he expressed gratitude to the fans for their unwavering support.
I think it is going to be a very eventful tournament because national teams are becoming better and better. The Copa America is going to be difficult. We are going to try to win the Copa America again but let’s remember that not everything is about winning.Lionel Messi on Argentina’s chances (via America TV)
If Argentina manage to win the Copa America this summer, it will be their fourth international trophy since 2021, which includes the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 Finalissima and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia and the USA are the other contenders.
Lionel Messi declines the opportunity of playing at the 2024 Olympics in Paris
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has turned down the opportunity to play at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, starting July 26. Instead, the 36-year-old will lead the Argentine national team in the 2024 Copa America, aiming to defend their title.
The Olympics‘ men’s football competition runs from July 24 to August 9. Although it is primarily an under-23 event, there were discussions about Messi being one of the allowed overage players. However, the Argentine star dismissed these reports, stating it would be difficult for him to participate in two consecutive tournaments given his age.
With the country’s star forward opting out of the tournament, Javier Mascherano‘s U-23 team will aim to win the gold medal, a feat last achieved in Beijing in 2008 with Messi on the team.
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Siddhartha Roy
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