Lionel Messi to Lead Argentina’s Quest for Copa America 2024 Glory
The football world was left stunned in 2016 when Lionel Messi, the global icon and Argentina’s talisman, seemed to have announced his retirement from the national team after their heartbreaking loss in the Copa America final. However, eight years on, the Inter Miami star is set to lead La Albiceleste once again as they prepare to defend their World Cup title at the upcoming Copa America 2024 tournament.
The fateful night at MetLife Stadium in June 2016 saw Argentina succumb to defeat against Chile in a penalty shootout, the third Copa America final loss for Messi in as many years. Visibly distraught, the then-29-year-old expressed his frustration, stating,
“I tried my hardest. It’s been four finals, and I was not able to win. I tried everything possible. It hurts me more than anyone, but it is evident that this is not for me. I want more than anyone to win a title with the national team, but unfortunately, it did not happen.”
Messi’s emotional outburst led many to believe that he had made the decision to retire from international football, a move that would have sent shockwaves through the world of football. For two months, the global community was left to wonder if they had truly witnessed the end of Messi’s illustrious international career.
However, the story did not end there. Messi’s retirement announcement was not made official, and after much contemplation, he eventually reversed his decision, returning to lead Argentina’s charge once again. Now, as the reigning World Champions from the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Argentina arrives at Copa America 2024 in Atlanta, ready to defend their continental crown and cement Messi’s legacy as one of the greatest players to ever don the national team jersey.
The stakes are high, and the football world eagerly awaits to see if Messi can finally lift the coveted Copa America trophy, a feat that has eluded him for so long. The journey to glory begins on Thursday night as Argentina faces off against Canada, with Messi at the helm, determined to add another chapter to his remarkable international career.
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