The first Copa America 2024 semi-final match will be decided when Argentina plays Canada again at 7am on July 10. This is a match that promises to see Messi regain his perfect version.
5 days to decide
Messi has just returned to play after injury. But he showed a lackluster performance, only touching the ball 32 times in the whole match, not creating any significant chances, making the Argentina team hold their breath to overcome the quarter-final match against Ecuador with a score of 4-2 after a penalty shootout (1-1 draw in regular time), on July 5. In this match, Messi also missed the first penalty kick in the penalty shootout.
Messi’s somewhat declining form has become a topic of discussion everywhere. It is even believed that if Argentina still relies on Messi’s magic in the context that this famous player has not reached perfection, including physicality and excitement, the chance of defending the Copa America championship will decrease significantly.
Scaloni changed the way Argentina played in Messi’s absence, playing more directly with striker Lautaro Martinez, and the result was a brace from the striker in the 2-0 win over Peru. But when Messi returned (against Ecuador ), most of the attacking passes went through him. However, on a day when he was not in the best condition and was always closely marked, Messi did not make a single pass all game, despite this being his strongest point. Immediately, the Albiceleste’s play became disorganized.
Coach Scaloni himself admitted: “I need to review the match carefully, because there are things to improve. I didn’t like anything in the match against Ecuador. We’re just happy to go through, but obviously we can’t be satisfied.” Messi also assessed himself: “I really don’t have the best feeling, even though the injury doesn’t affect me much anymore. But this is a psychological problem when you come back from an injury or discomfort, you may be a little nervous. The pitch is also a factor that prevents us from playing fast football like usual.”
Messi’s chances of playing in the semi-finals are still good, after Argentina meets Canada again, the team they beat 2-0 in the opening match of Copa America 2024 on June 21. In the quarter-finals on July 6, Canada made history by beating Venezuela 4-3 in a penalty shootout (1-1 draw in regulation time), to advance to the semi-finals in their first Copa America appearance. In the rematch with Canada, Messi has about 5 days off after the match against Ecuador. This is a crucial time for the famous player to fully regain his feeling.
The crazy attraction of Messi
Marca (Spain) called it that, after witnessing more than 40 journalists, reporters and news agencies and television stations around the world patiently waiting to interview Messi to talk about his missed Panenka penalty kick, after the quarter-final match with Ecuador .
“This is a crazy attraction. Messi is 37 years old, and he is not really playing outstandingly, but he is still a magnet for the media and fans. The match against Ecuador at NRG Stadium in Houston attracted 69,456 spectators, covering almost the capacity of the stadium (more than 70,000 seats). In response to this enthusiasm, Messi appeared very comfortable and ready to share all the reasons why he played badly, including why he chose the Panenka shot. Messi talked for quite a while, he answered all questions regardless of where the journalist or reporter came from. This shows that Messi is no longer under as much pressure as before,” Marca shared .
