Messi has the opportunity to achieve a treble of consecutive major titles for a team between Copa America and World Cup – a record only Spain has achieved so far (EURO and World Cup). This will be the motivation for Messi to continue participating in the 6th World Cup.
Starting tomorrow (June 21), the 48th Copa America season will officially kick off. This is the second time in the tournament’s history that 16 teams (6 invited teams from the CONCACAF region) compete for the championship.
The tournament in the US will focus on defending champion Argentina – the team of the most sought-after star in American football recently, Messi. This is also an opportunity for Messi to polish his personal record, if he wins 3 major titles in a row (Copa America 2021, World Cup 2022 and Copa America 2024) like Spain did in world football history. (EURO 2008, World Cup 2010 and EURO 2012).
Record and motivation, all eyes are on Messi
If he succeeds in setting a record, it will further motivate Messi to attend the 2026 World Cup, also taking place in the US – where Messi will retire with the final team of his career, Inter Miami.
Many times this year, Messi has expressed when asked by the media about the next World Cup: “If I feel okay, I will continue to play.”
Before the tournament, Messi had set Copa America 2024 as his last dance with Argentina in this regional tournament.
After the golden achievement in Qatar, Argentina has not rested on its laurels in the past 18 months. Albiceleste has achieved a record of 13 wins and 1 loss since winning the World Cup. Now, Messi and his teammates are still the most appreciated candidates to defend the championship.
Going into the tournament, coach Lionel Scaloni’s team has not changed much since their squad has been the most sought after in football since December 2022 in Qatar.
In addition to Messi, veterans such as Angel Di Maria, Emiliano Martinez and Nicolas Otamendi are still called up. The most notable addition is Manchester United’s 19-year-old striker Alejandro Garnacho – who debuted for the national team last year.
Challenges on the journey to protect the throne
Ranked behind in the list of championship candidates, Brazil is Argentina’s rival. Without Neymar due to injury, the “Samba dancers” will be led by Vinicius Junior – one of Real Madrid’s top strikers alongside promising young star Endrick Felipe (19 years old).
Behind is Uruguay with the same number of Copa America titles as Argentina (15 wins). Uruguay is led by veteran Argentine strategist – Marcelo Bielsa. This coach called back veteran Suarez – who is in the top 3 with Messi in MLS (12 goals).
In addition to the two teams from the same region, Mexico – a guest from the CONCACAF region – will be the remaining challenge for Messi and his teammates in the upcoming journey.
Besides the teams that stand in his way, Messi will have to face the problem of age when the Argentine superstar will turn 37 two days before the second match – Argentina against Chile (June 26).
