Copa America 2024: Will Lionel Messi start for Argentina against Canada?

The Inter Miami star will be looking to add another international trophy to his already impressive cabinet

With the 2024 Copa America potentially being his last ever major international tournament for Argentina, Lionel Messi would want to end his fairytale international career with yet another Copa America trophy celebration.

Even though the 8-time Ballon d’Or winner has expressed his desire to possibly play in the 2026 World Cup too, Messi would ideally want to keep that idea in the backseat for now and focus completely on retaining their Copa America crown by capturing yet another silverware.

Mastermind coach Lionel Scaloni has transformed this Argentina side ever since his appointment by first clinching the 2021 Copa America by defeating Brazil 1-0 in the final, followed by winning the ultimate World Cup trophy in 2022 against France, a title that has eluded the nation for years.

Heading into this tournament, Argentina are still one of the firm favourites to retain their crown amidst the Brazil and Uruguay title charge.

Lionel Messi looks set to start for Argentina against Canada

Argentina and captain Lionel Messi are set to kick off their 2024 Copa America campaign against young debutants Canada on June 21 in an exciting opening encounter.

Lionel Messi’s impressive 2024 season with Inter Miami

Messi enjoyed an amazing personal season with MLS side Inter Miami, bagging 14 goals and 11 assists in just 15 matches across the League and Cup competitions. He was the crystal-clear difference between Inter Miami being a strong team in his presence and a lacklustre, poor outfit in his absence.

Also Read: Argentina predicted line-up for Canada clash in Copa America 2024

On the other hand, in this Argentina side, Messi is supported by world-class players in every position on the pitch, like Emiliano Martinez in goal, Cristian Romero in defence, Alexis Mac Allister in midfield, and the ever-reliable Angel Di Maria in attack, who is going to retire from international duty after this tournament, to name a few.

Under Scaloni, Messi has enjoyed a freer role on the pitch, exclusive of any defensive responsibilities, making him a killer threat in attack for any and every opposition defence to deal with and overcome. Soon to be 37 in a few days, Lionel Messi is still the star player for his nation, as he looks to lead this front-footed and aggressive Argentina side to yet another international triumph.

Argentina are placed in Group A alongside the likes of Chile, Peru, and Canada. They are the clear favourites to top this group and the overall frontrunners to win the 2024 Copa America.

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