Superstition before G hour
” The Argentine team still maintains a tradition that is perhaps almost superstitious. But “better safe than sorry”, goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and coach Scaloni continue to attend a press conference before a match and a final, like the previous 3 times when Albiceleste were crowned champions”, shared Diario Ole (Argentina).
On the same day, members of the Argentine national team and the federation held an internal ceremony to pay tribute to striker Di Maria , who will leave the team after the 2024 Copa America final. Here, Messi gave his close friend a very emotional and affectionate hug.
“This Copa America final is certainly Di Maria’s last match in the Argentina national team shirt. But this is not the end of Messi. We have included Messi in a big plan for Argentina at the 2026 World Cup. I will sit down with Messi after the final. Even if he doesn’t want to play anymore, I still ask him to accompany the team at least until the 2026 World Cup. He still has a lot to contribute to the country,” coach Scaloni emphasized.
Coach Scaloni and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez have attended three press conferences before Argentina’s previous finals, including the 2021 Copa America in Brazil, the 2022 Finalissima (Intercontinental Final) in England and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. All three times, the Albiceleste went on to win the finals against Brazil, Italy and France, respectively, to be crowned champions.
This time at Copa America 2024, they will continue to participate with the hope of bringing luck to win major tournaments for the 4th consecutive time, against a very strong opponent, Colombia, at 7:00 a.m. on July 15.
According to Marca (Spain): “This is certainly not a coincidence. The Argentina team must have a reason to continue arranging for goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and coach Scaloni to attend the press conference before the 2024 Copa America final.”
Support the Uruguayan players’ fight because…
Emiliano Martinez said: “I hope we can settle the final in normal time, although Colombia and their talented player James Rodriguez are playing extremely well.
I know James Rodriguez well, he is left-footed, one of the best players in the world. It will not be an easy match, that’s for sure. If we have to face penalties in the shootout, luck will play a big role. I and the Argentina team are very confident and relaxed, after we have done so many great things in recent years. We will go into the match with the most excitement, even though this is the fourth final, it feels like the first time.”
Meanwhile, speaking about the controversial brawl after Uruguay lost 0-1 to Colombia in the semi-final, both coach Scaloni and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez supported the actions of the Uruguayan players, after they had to rush into the stands to fight with Colombian fans to protect their wives, children and family members.
