Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni announced that superstar Lionel Messi will start in the final friendly match with Guatelema, before officially starting the Copa America campaign.
In Argentina ‘s first friendly match before the Copa America, superstar Lionel Messi did not play from the start but only came on from the bench. This is said to help the 36-year-old player avoid unnecessary injuries, thereby getting in the best shape to start the big campaign.
Before the friendly match with Guatemala, coach Lionel Scaloni dispelled doubts about Messi’s injury and announced that El Pulga would start in the final friendly match mentioned above.
The 46-year-old strategist said: “Leo will play from the start. The day before, we decided that he would play a few minutes, and we talked in advance about him playing. Based on his condition. We will consider his playing time. If he can play the whole match, even better.”
Scaloni added: “We expect the same thing from him as always that he plays football, connects with his teammates and is himself. On the field, ultimately what we need is for him to feel comfortable , feel comfortable with the lineup we arranged.”
At this Copa America, Messi is expected to be the leader to help Argentina towards the goal of defending the throne. El Pulga’s class and stable performance will be the support for La Albiceleste fans to dream of experiencing the feeling of championship for the second time in a row.
Since his first match for Argentina, Messi has made 181 appearances in various large and small tournaments, contributing 106 goals and 56 assists, thereby bringing home noble titles such as the Copa America. 2020 or most notably the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
In the Copa America three years ago, Messi, as captain, led Argentina all the way to the final to face arch-rival Brazil. Although he did not directly score, Messi’s “patron saint” midfielder Di Maria helped La Albiceleste win the championship for the first time after 28 years of waiting.
In the immediate future, Messi and his Argentina teammates are focusing on the final friendly match with Guatemala, and this match will take place at 7:00 a.m. tomorrow morning (June 15).
