I Don’t See Copa América As Messi’s Last Tournament – Says Lisandro Martínez

Manchester United defender, Lisandro Martínez, said the Argentina national team believes that the 2024 Copa América may not be Lionel Messi’s final tournament with La Albiceleste. He also emphasized that the captain is still regarded as the best player in the world.

Lionel Messi has expressed doubts about his participation in the 2026 World Cup due to his age, as he will be 39 by then.

Nevertheless, coach Lionel Scaloni, remains optimistic about the possibility of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner competing in the tournament hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

“He’s very calm, more than anything he’s enjoying the day-to-day. It’s beautiful to be here, we all have a great relationship,” Martínez said in a media availability Thursday, during the team’s preparations in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

“When one is here, one is very happy. We feel at home, which is important. We don’t see it [as his last tournament with Argentina.] We see him happy and at an impressive level. That’s what I can tell you.” He stated.

Lionel Scaloni shared a similar message, advising Argentines to not focus on the timing of Messi’s departure from the national team.

“We Argentines are too melancholic,” he told Telemundo. “We are already thinking about the day when [Messi] is not here while he’s still playing.”

“Let’s enjoy him and we’ll see what happens next. I think what he’s doing right now is so important. And for everyone, not only for Argentina, because in the end, Leo plays for those who like football. But someday [his retirement] will happen.” He said.

Leo Messi has played a crucial role in the recent achievements of the Argentinian national team, leading them to victory in the 2021 Copa América and the 2022 FIFA World Cup as captain.

Since his debut in 2005, the forward has scored 106 goals in 180 international matches, making him the all-time leading goal scorer for his country.

The former Barcelona star remains in fine form, scoring 11 goals and adding 12 assists in 12 games for Inter Miami CF in MLS this season. His contract with Miami runs through the end of the 2025 season.

“Playing with Leo, for us it’s a very important plus,” Martínez added. “Everyone knows what Leo represents, he’s the best in the world. Having him play for our team is without a doubt a plus. We are very happy to share the day-to-day with him.”

Argentina will play friendly matches against Ecuador and Guatemala as part of their preparations for the upcoming Copa América.

The tournament will be held in the United States, featuring teams from both Concacaf, including the hosts, as well as 10 teams from South America.

“Copa América is a complicated tournament,” Martínez said. “Without a doubt, everyone wants to beat us because we’re the reigning champions.”

“But if we go into it thinking of a couple ‘favorites’ or ‘strong teams’ we’re only hurting ourselves. We know what we represent, so every game for us is a final. We expect to win Copa América.”

Martínez maintains that the team is focused and training at an “impressive” level that leads him to believe Argentina can once again lift the coveted trophy.

“Without a doubt, everyone wants to beat us,” he said. “But we’re ready for that and work hard for that. We have a great team, with incredible players. When training, it’s incredible to see the talent and effort being put in. We’re ready.”

Argentina kicked off their Copa América journey on June 20 with a match against Canada, marking the opening game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.