Football

Defending champions Argentina kicked off their Copa America campaign with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Canada in Atlanta on Thursday. The match was a tale of two halves, with Canada impressing in the first half but Argentina dominating the second.Canada started the match brightly, pressing high and creating several chances. Alphonso Davies was a constant threat down the left flank, while Jonathan David and Cyle Larin both had good opportunities to score. However, Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was in fine form, making several key saves to keep his team in the game.Argentina gradually grew into the match and began to create chances of their own. Lionel Messi was at the heart of everything, and he played a sublime pass to Alexis Mac Allister in the 49th minute. Mac Allister rounded Canada goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau and slotted the ball into an empty net to give Argentina the lead.Canada pushed hard for an equalizer, but Argentina's defense held firm. Nicolas Otamendi, who came on as a substitute in the second half, added some much-needed stability to the backline. In the 88th minute, Messi played another inch-perfect pass, this time to Lautaro Martinez, who made no mistake from close range to seal the victory for Argentina.The win was a hard-fought one for Argentina, but it was a deserved one. They showed their class in the second half, and they will be confident of going all the way in this tournament. Canada, on the other hand, will be disappointed with the result, but they can take heart from their performance in the first half. They have a talented squad, and they will be hoping to make a deep run in the Copa America.

Copa America 2023: Argentina Aim for Continental Glory Amidst Messi's Farewell TourThe 108-year-old Copa America kicks off on Thursday in the United States, with world champions Argentina seeking their second continental title in what could be Lionel Messi's final appearance in the tournament.Argentina, 15-time Copa America winners, have assembled a squad largely unchanged from their World Cup-winning team. Veterans Angel Di Maria and Nicolas Otamendi are likely making their final major tournament appearances.Messi, now 36, has yet to decide if he will participate in a record sixth World Cup in 2026. However, he is determined to make the most of this Copa America, having won it only once in 2021.Argentina face Canada, Chile, and Peru in Group A. However, they anticipate stiff competition in the knockout stages, with Brazil and Uruguay emerging as the primary challengers.Brazil, despite recent struggles in World Cup qualifiers, boast a talented squad led by Real Madrid duo Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo. Uruguay, under the guidance of Marcelo Bielsa, have impressed with recent victories over Argentina and Brazil.Colombia, unbeaten in over two years, pose a threat with Luis Diaz and James Rodriguez in their ranks. The United States, hosting the tournament for the second time, hope to generate excitement after a disappointing World Cup performance.The Copa America 2023 promises to be a captivating spectacle, showcasing the best of South American football and providing a glimpse of the future stars of the game.

Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentine footballer, has announced that he will not participate in the 2024 Paris Olympics. In an interview with ESPN, Messi explained that his decision was based on his age and the demanding schedule of the upcoming Copa America and World Cup.Messi, who turns 37 in June, acknowledged that his age is a factor in his decision. "At my age, I don't want to play everything and I need to make the right choices," he said. The Copa America, which will be held in the United States from June 20 to July 14, will be a major test for Argentina, and Messi wants to focus on that tournament.The Olympics, which start on July 26, would have been a significant challenge for Messi, who has already won a gold medal with Argentina in 2008. However, the tight schedule between the Copa America and the Olympics would have put a strain on his body."It's a difficult moment, because there's the Copa America, and that would mean two or three consecutive months away from my club," Messi said. "I need to make the right choices."Messi's decision not to participate in the Olympics does not mean that he is retiring from international football. He has expressed his desire to play in the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico."I won't take part in a World Cup just to say I've done six," Messi said. "If I feel good and everything is in place for me to be there, fine, but I won't go just to go."Messi's decision is a blow to Argentina's Olympic hopes, but it is understandable given his age and the demanding schedule of the upcoming tournaments. The Argentine legend will continue to focus on his club career with Inter Miami and on leading his country to success in the Copa America and the World Cup.

Argentina, the reigning World Cup and Copa America champions, have announced their 29-man squad for upcoming friendly matches against Ecuador and Guatemala. The team, led by captain Lionel Messi, will use these matches as preparation for the Copa America tournament, which will be held in the United States from June 20 to July 14.The squad includes 22 of the 26 players who won the World Cup in Qatar, including Messi, Angel Di Maria, and Rodrigo De Paul. Notable absentees include Paulo Dybala, Juan Foyth, and Thiago Almada.Argentina will face Ecuador on June 9 at Chicago's Soldier Field and Guatemala on June 14 at Landover, Maryland. These matches will provide valuable experience for the team as they prepare for the Copa America, where they will be aiming to defend their title.In the Copa America, Argentina will open their campaign against Canada or Trinidad and Tobago on June 20 in Atlanta. They will then face Chile on June 25 in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and Peru on June 29 in Miami Gardens, Florida.Argentina is the most successful team in Copa America history, having won the tournament 15 times. They will be looking to add to their tally and cement their status as the dominant force in South American football.

Lionel Messi's Napkin Contract with Barcelona Fetches Record-Breaking SumThe iconic napkin that served as the initial agreement between a young Lionel Messi and FC Barcelona has been sold at auction for a staggering 762,400 pounds (USD 965,000). The sale, conducted by British auction house Bonhams, marks a significant moment in sports memorabilia history.The napkin, bearing the date December 14, 2000, was used to draft a preliminary agreement to sign the then-13-year-old Messi. The contract was written in blue ink by Horacio Gaggioli, an agent from Messi's native Argentina, and signed by Gaggioli, another agent, Josep Maria Minguella, and Barcelona's then-sporting director, Carles Rexach.The napkin was intended to reassure Messi's father, Jorge Messi, that the deal would go through after negotiations with Barcelona had stalled. Jorge Messi had threatened to take his son back to Argentina if the club did not commit to signing him.The napkin contract was followed by a more formal and detailed contract with Barcelona. Messi went on to spend nearly two decades with the Catalan giants, making his first-team debut in 2004 and playing 17 seasons with the main squad. He helped the club win every major trophy, including the Champions League four times and the Spanish league 10 times.The sale of the napkin contract has generated significant interest among collectors and sports enthusiasts. The starting price was 300,000 pounds (USD 379,000), but the final bid far exceeded expectations. An undisclosed percentage of the sale price will be paid as administrative fees for the online auction.The sale of the napkin contract is a testament to the enduring legacy of Lionel Messi, one of the greatest footballers of all time. It also highlights the value and significance of sports memorabilia, which can capture and preserve the history of iconic moments in sports.

Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi unleashed an unstoppable attacking force on Saturday, leading Inter Miami to a resounding 6-2 victory over the New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer. Suarez's hat-trick and Messi's record-breaking five assists propelled Inter to a dominant second-half performance, avenging their earlier defeat to the Red Bulls.After a lackluster first half, Inter's fortunes turned dramatically with the introduction of Matias Rojas. The Paraguayan substitute ignited the rout with a stunning goal just three minutes into the second half. Messi then took control, orchestrating Inter's attack with his trademark precision.Messi's five assists, a new MLS record, showcased his unparalleled vision and passing ability. He repeatedly found Suarez in dangerous positions, allowing the Uruguayan to showcase his clinical finishing. Suarez's hat-trick brought his season tally to 10 goals in 11 games, proving that his predatory instincts remain sharp despite his advancing age.Messi's influence extended beyond his assists. His telepathic understanding with Suarez, honed during their time together at Barcelona, allowed them to create scoring opportunities with ease. The Argentine maestro's through balls and incisive passes sliced through the Red Bulls defense, leaving them helpless.Inter's victory was a testament to the star power of Messi and Suarez. Their partnership, once feared by opponents around the world, has been rekindled in Miami, bringing joy to the club's fans and sending shockwaves through the MLS.

Lionel Messi's scoring prowess continues to shine in Major League Soccer (MLS), as the Argentine maestro netted a brace to lead Inter Miami to a 4-1 victory over the New England Revolution on Saturday. The win extends Miami's winning streak to three games, with Messi contributing five goals during that run.Despite New England taking an early lead through Tomas Chancalay, Miami equalized through Messi's first goal in the 32nd minute. The 36-year-old then put Miami ahead in the 68th minute with a clinical finish after a superb pass from Sergio Busquets.Messi's influence continued in the final stages, as he assisted Benjamin Cremaschi and Luis Suarez for Miami's third and fourth goals, respectively. The victory sees Miami climb to the top of the Eastern Conference standings.Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino praised his team's performance, highlighting the importance of their recent win over Kansas City. "The Kansas City game was a key for us, because we had just been eliminated by Monterrey and the team showed their character," he said.New England coach Caleb Porter acknowledged Messi's brilliance, stating, "That's Messi. You have to look at both those moments because I thought they were able to find two goals when we felt pretty good about the way we were limiting their effectiveness in creating clear chances."Elsewhere in MLS, Christian Benteke scored twice for D.C. United in their 2-1 win over the Seattle Sounders. Real Salt Lake moved to the top of the Western Conference with a 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union, while defending champions Columbus Crew were held to a goalless draw by Montreal.

Inter Miami's star-studded duo, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, once again proved their dominance as they led their team to a resounding 3-1 victory over Nashville in the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16. The win secured a 5-3 aggregate triumph for the hosts in Florida.Suarez opened the scoring early on, capitalizing on a clever pass from Jordi Alba and a sensational through ball from Messi. The Argentine maestro doubled the lead 15 minutes later, receiving a pass from Diego Gomez and firing it home with precision.Inter Miami maintained their 2-0 advantage at halftime, and Robert Taylor extended their lead in the 63rd minute. Messi, who was substituted in the 50th minute, had already made his mark on the game.Nashville's consolation goal came in stoppage time through Sam Surridge, but it was too little, too late. The visitors had held Inter Miami to a 2-2 draw in the first leg, but the second leg proved to be a one-sided affair.Despite Messi's absence in the second half, Nashville struggled to create clear-cut chances. Drake Callender made a crucial save to deny Lukas MacNaughton, while Hany Mukhtar had a goal disallowed for offside.This was the fourth time Nashville had faced Messi since his arrival at Inter Miami. They had previously played to three draws, including a 10-9 penalty shootout victory for Miami in the 2023 Leagues Cup final. Messi scored early in regulation and converted the first penalty kick in that match, helping Miami secure their first trophy.

Inter Miami's unbeaten start to the season came to an abrupt end on Sunday as they succumbed to a 2-3 home defeat against Montreal. The absence of talisman Lionel Messi, who was sidelined with a shin injury, proved costly for the hosts.Montreal took the lead in the first half through Fernando Alvarez's header. Inter Miami equalized in the 71st minute through Leonarda Campana, but their defense faltered, allowing Matias Coccaro and Sunusi Ibrahim to score in quick succession.Despite the setback, Inter Miami showed some resilience, with Jordi Alba scoring a consolation goal reminiscent of Messi's brilliance. Alba received the ball on the edge of the box and curled a shot into the top corner.Assistant coach Javier Morales explained Messi's absence, stating that the Argentine is eager to play every game. Head coach Tata Martino expressed disappointment with the team's defensive performance, despite believing they deserved to win.Messi is expected to return for Inter Miami's CONCACAF Champions League Round of 16 second leg against Nashville. He will be keen to avoid fatigue and exhaustion ahead of the Copa America, where Argentina will defend their title.