Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentine forward, has declared that he is savoring his "last battles" with the national team after scoring in a 2-0 victory over Canada in the Copa America semifinals. The win secured Argentina's place in the final, where they will face either Uruguay or Colombia.
Messi, now 37 years old, has been a pivotal figure in Argentina's recent success, leading them to the 2022 World Cup triumph and the 2021 Copa America title. He has yet to indicate whether he will continue playing for Argentina beyond the 2026 World Cup, which will feature a final at the New Jersey venue.
After a lackluster performance against Ecuador in the quarter-finals, Messi showcased his brilliance against Canada, connecting seamlessly with Angel Di Maria and strike partner Julian Alvarez, who also scored.
"I'm living it like I lived it in the last Copa America, in the last World Cup....these are the last battles and I'm enjoying them to the maximum," Messi said after the win.
Messi's comments have sparked speculation about his future with Argentina, but coach Lionel Scaloni has urged for calm. "We have to leave him alone, he knows that we will not be the ones to close the door on him. He can stay with us as long as he wants, even when he retires...Let him decide what he wants," Scaloni said.
Messi has the opportunity to win a third consecutive major title with Argentina, following their World Cup and Copa America triumphs. He acknowledged the significance of the team's success, particularly for veteran players like Di Maria and Nicolas Otamendi.
"The truth is that it's crazy what this group has done, what the Argentina national team has been doing, because after all this it gives value to all (the tournaments) I and the old generation have played in," Messi said.
Despite Argentina's comfortable victory over Canada, Messi emphasized the challenges they have faced in the tournament. "It's a difficult Copa, evenly matched, with very bad pitches, with high temperatures, very tough teams, and for us to be in a final again is something to enjoy," he said.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez echoed Messi's sentiments, expressing the immense pride and joy of reaching another final. "It's a source of pride as an Argentine, as a representative of this national team, to be able to play in another final. It feels as if it was the first time," Martinez said.
Tags: #LionelMessi, #Argentina, #CopaAmerica, #LastBattles, #Football
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