As the defending champions of Copa America, Argentina, led by the legendary Lionel Messi, are gearing up for their 2024 tournament opener against Canada, reported by GOAL. With eight Ballon d’Or awards to his name, Messi is undoubtedly the star attraction and the key player Canada must focus on.
Lionel Messi, often considered the greatest of all time (GOAT), presents a formidable challenge for any team. His exceptional skills, vision, and ability to influence the game make him a unique threat. Jesse Marsch, the new head coach of Canada, is well aware of this and acknowledges the almost impossible task of containing Messi.
What Marsch said on Lionel Messi
Jesse Marsch, who has previously coached in the Champions League with RB Leipzig against Messi’s Paris Saint-Germain, shared his thoughts on facing Messi again. “The challenge with Messi is not just his quality, but his ability to move around in the game,” Marsch explained. “He doesn’t show up in the same places all the time, he’s very clever at coming underneath at times and moving off the backline. Anytime he’s on the ball, the way he can create combinations and provide confidence, pause, and quality for the team is very unique.”
Marsch highlighted the importance of constant vigilance and spatial awareness when dealing with Messi. “The key is to be aware of where he is and ensure he’s not in an open space. We need to close the space and make it difficult for him,” Marsch added.
Marsch has faced Messi before, noting the difficulty of completely neutralizing such a dynamic player. “I’ve coached against him a few times and had some successes, but he finds a way to make a difference,” Marsch said. This experience gives Marsch some tactical insights, but he knows that Messi’s ability to adapt and change the game makes any strategy a challenge.
For Canada, facing Argentina in their Copa America opener at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta is more than just about Messi. It’s about setting the tone for the tournament and proving they can compete at the highest level. Marsch and his team are not just focusing on containing Messi but also on executing their game plan effectively.
Preparing for Copa America
Both Canada and Argentina aim to advance from Group A, with two spots available for the quarter-finals. The opening match is crucial for setting the pace and gaining early momentum. While Messi will undoubtedly be the focal point, Canada’s approach will need to be holistic, balancing defense with attacking opportunities.
Apart from Messi, Argentina boasts a roster filled with talent. Players like Ángel Di María, Lautaro Martínez, and Rodrigo De Paul are all capable of making significant contributions. Canada, on the other hand, will rely on their own stars, such as Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David, to make an impact and challenge the Argentine defense.
The match will take place at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, a venue known for hosting major sporting events and home to both NFL and MLS teams. The atmosphere is expected to be electric, with fans eager to see how Messi and his teammates perform against a determined Canadian side.
As the tournament progresses, both teams will look to build on their performances in the opener. For Canada, a strong showing against Argentina, regardless of the result, can boost their confidence and set the stage for their remaining group matches. For Argentina, a win will reinforce their status as favorites and provide a solid foundation for their title defense.
Facing Lionel Messi and Argentina is a daunting task for any team, but Canada, under Jesse Marsch, is preparing to rise to the challenge. With strategic planning and a focus on limiting Messi’s influence, Canada hopes to make a strong statement in their Copa America opener. The match promises to be an exciting clash, showcasing the talents of some of the world’s best players on a grand stage.
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Source link : https://clutchpoints.com/lionel-messi-news-unique-challenge-canada-copa-america
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Publish date : 2024-06-20 08:12:10
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