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South American giants Argentina aim to clinch a third consecutive major international tournament and defend their Copa America title in the USA this summer.
La Albiceleste emerged victorious at the 2021 Copa America, marking the nation’s first continental triumph in 28 years, and went on to become world champions less than 18 months later by winning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Argentina’s Quest for Glory
Lionel Scaloni’s team, chasing a record-extending 16th Copa America title, are one of the favourites to win the expanded 16-nation tournament this summer.
Yet, the burning question on every Argentine supporter’s mind is whether global icon Lionel Messi will be included in Scaloni’s final 26-man squad.
Messi’s International Future in Question
There has been intense speculation about Messi’s future with the national team following his legendary performance in leading Argentina to their third World Cup trophy in 2022.
After initially announcing his international retirement in 2016 following Argentina’s penalty defeat to Chile in the Copa America final, Messi reversed his decision and went on to win two major tournaments and set multiple records, becoming Argentina’s all-time leading goalscorer (106 goals) and record appearance-maker (181 caps).
Messi’s Form at Inter Miami
Since joining MLS side Inter Miami in July last year, Messi has had a significant impact, winning the Leagues Cup a month later and starting the 2024 campaign impressively with 14 goals and 11 assists in 15 matches across all competitions.
However, injury concerns this season have raised doubts about his availability for the 2024 Copa America.
Injury Concerns and Recovery
Despite these concerns, Messi has been named in Argentina’s 29-man preliminary squad, which will be trimmed to 26 soon.
He is expected to lead his country in their quest for back-to-back Copa America titles, a feat last achieved in the mid-1940s.
This tournament could be Messi’s final international competition, as it remains uncertain if he will compete in the 2026 World Cup.
Scaloni’s Management of Messi’s Fitness
Messi hasn’t played for Argentina since October 2023, missing friendlies against El Salvador and Costa Rica in March due to injury.
Despite ongoing minor issues picked up during his time at Inter Miami, Messi made his first international appearance of 2024 as a substitute in Argentina’s friendly against Ecuador at Soldier Field in Illinois on June 9, where Angel Di Maria scored the sole goal in a 1-0 victory for La Albiceleste.
Scaloni stated before the match that he intends to manage Messi’s playing time across Argentina’s two warm-up fixtures.
La Albiceleste is scheduled to face Guatemala at Commanders Field in Maryland on June 15. “With Leo, there is no need to risk him,” Scaloni explained. “Not just with him, but others like Nicolas Otamendi didn’t play.
Angel only played some minutes, Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez the same. We want to take care of these players and allow them to arrive in their best possible conditions to the tournament.”
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Messi’s Bid for Fitness and Records
Messi is working to build his fitness in hopes of starting Argentina’s opening group-stage game of the 2024 Copa America against debutants Canada on June 21.
Featuring in this match would mark Messi’s 35th Copa America appearance, breaking the record for the most appearances in the tournament’s history, currently held by Chile goalkeeper Sergio Livingstone.
Group Stage Challenges
Argentina will also face Chile on June 26 and Peru on June 30 in their remaining Group A matches.
As the reigning world champions, La Albiceleste aims to secure another Copa America title, with Messi leading the charge.
Conclusion
Lionel Messi’s potential inclusion in Argentina’s squad for the 2024 Copa America not only boosts the team’s chances but also adds to the excitement surrounding the tournament.
With Scaloni carefully managing his star player’s fitness, fans worldwide are eager to see Messi continue his remarkable international career and perhaps set another record in the process.
