Lionel Messi was criticized for being “old” despite setting two major personal bests when he and Argentina played Canada in the opening match of the 2024 Copa América on June 21.
Argentina has just defeated Canada 2-0 thanks to goals from Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez. This was the game in which Messi started and gave an assist to score a goal.
Participation in the match against Canada helped the striker born in 1987 to set two great records. Specifically, the Argentine superstar has become the player who has participated in the most Copa América tournaments with 7 occasions. The former Barcelona captain is also the person who has had the most appearances in the history of this tournament with 35 games.
Messi in Argentina’s 2-0 defeat of Canada in the opening Group A match of the Copa América 2024 on June 21.
Messi previously shared the record with the legendary Sergio Livingstone. The late Chilean goalkeeper participated in the Copa América six times: 1941, 1942, 1945, 1947, 1949 and 1953.
Messi has scored 13 goals in the Copa América, an achievement equal to Jair, Ademir (Brazil) and Gabriel Batistuta, José Manuel Moreno, Héctor Scarone (Argentina). He is only behind 6 players: Eduardo Vargas (Chile), Paolo Guerrero (Peru) with 14 goals, Lolo Fernández (Peru), Severino Varela (Uruguay) with 15 goals, Norberto Méndez (Argentina) and Zizinho (Brazil) with 15 goals . 17 goals. Messi will mark a new milestone if he scores 5 or more goals in the Copa América 2024.
Messi attended the Copa América for the first time in 2007 in Venezuela, scoring 2 goals in 6 games but Argentina lost 0-3 to Brazil in the final.
Messi also lost with Argentina to Chile on penalties in the 2015 and 2016 finals. The owner of 8 Ballon d’Ors with Argentina lost to Uruguay in the quarterfinals of the 2011 Copa América and lost to Brazil in the 2019 semifinals .
It was not until the last time he attended the 2021 Copa América that Messi and Argentina were crowned after defeating Brazil 1-0 in the final, thus achieving their first title at the national team level. This is also the Copa América where Messi simultaneously won 3 individual awards: Best Player, Top Scorer and Most Assisted Player.
The 2024 Copa América is likely to be the last South American tournament of Messi’s career. Despite his great efforts, the owner of 8 Ballon d’Ors had no luck scoring, despite having 2 good chances.
Many people fear that El Pulga will be affected by age, since in just 4 days he will turn 37 years old.
“Time has caught up with Messi”, comment about him on Twitter.
Another added: “It’s unfortunate that Messi ended badly. Injuries and age have affected him. In any case, Pulga’s playing ability is still good.”
Some people regret that Messi has abandoned the top soccer environment to go play in the United States: “Playing in the American professional league has ruined Messi’s legs,” this person commented.
According to the calendar, in the second match of Group A of the Copa América, Argentina will face its fateful rival Chile.
