Lionel Messi loses damage battle at Copa América, places purpose of sixth World Cup on maintain
Lionel Messi cried uncontrollably after he exited from a Copa América closing earlier than full time for the primary time in his profession.
Past the extreme ache in his proper ankle on Sunday night time in Miami Gardens, the tears on the face of Argentina’s captain confirmed a deeper anguish.
Regardless of profitable the title in one among his “final battles,” as Messi described this Copa, the 37-year-old famous person didn’t cross the health check that would have opened the way in which for him to play his sixth World Cup in 2026.
Argentina efficiently defended its South American title with a hard-fought 1-0 extra-time win towards Colombia. Messi left the pitch in Arduous Rock Stadium within the sixty fourth minute, breaking down with out being touched.
The Copa was Messi’s first main match since leaving European soccer to play within the much less aggressive Main League Soccer within the U.S. Nonetheless, he has missed a number of video games during the last yr for his Inter Miami membership and Argentina resulting from muscle points.
Messi felt muscular pains in his proper leg within the second group match towards Chile, which sidelined him from the next recreation towards Peru. He didn’t ship a formidable efficiency within the quarterfinals towards Ecuador and missed his probability within the penalty shootout. Within the semifinal victory over Canada, he scored his solely purpose within the match within the 2-0 win.
With a limp, Messi celebrated his second Copa title in modest style on the sphere. The damage nonetheless damage the star on Monday.
“Yet another,” he stated on his social media channels.
Messi didn’t converse to the media after the damage, and Argentina didn’t give particulars in regards to the harm.
Messi’s farewell to the nationwide staff continues to be on maintain, however there’s different gamers aged above 35 who’re more likely to have performed their final main worldwide match; winger Ángel Di María (36), defender Nicolás Otamendi (36), and substitute goalkeeper Franco Armani (37).
Argentina does have up-and-coming gamers and a squad averaging 28 years of age when the veterans will not be counted. That’s partly why it held robust towards Colombia regardless of the absence of its star for 56 minutes of play.
“I do not know whether or not we marked an period, however this staff by no means ceases to shock. It recovers from difficulties,” Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni stated. “When (Messi) leaves, the staff multiplies with the one which is available in and we play higher differently.”
Argentina vs. Colombia Highlights | 2024 Copa América | Ultimate
Younger skills similar to Alejandro Garnacho, Valentín Carboni, Thiago Almada, Claudio Echeverri and Valentín Barco are to not be in contrast with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, however they might help Argentina stay aggressive when it defends the World Cup in 2026.
[Related: Argentina show they’re prepared for life without Lionel Messi in Copa América final]
Key squad members similar to goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, defender Cristian Romero, midfielder Rodrigo de Paul and striker Lautaro Martínez are more likely to stay.
Argentina will return to motion in September in World Cup qualifying towards Chile and Colombia. The Argentines lead South America. That worldwide window will give extra hints about whether or not Messi’s legend will go on or cease at Sunday’s title.
Reporting by The Related Press.
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