Lionel Messi makes post-Copa America plans amid Argentina goal drought

Lionel Messi makes post-Copa America plans amid Argentina goal drought

Despite turning 37 during this summer’s Copa America, the demands on the shoulders of Lionel Messi at club and international level show no signs of diminishing as his post-tournament plans emerge

Lionel Messi is currently leading his country at Copa America, with the Argentina captain’s plans already in place for after the tournament(Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

Lionel Messi is set to be the headline attraction as he prepares to feature for the MLS All-Stars, with an ensemble cast of stars from rival teams upon his return to club action from Copa America.

Currently the legendary winger’s focus is on defending his country’s title in the continental tournament as he looks to lead Argentina to another international triumph. The 37-year-old has failed to find the net for his nation in the competition so far, starring in the La Albiceleste’s first two group games as he led the team to back-to-back wins.

He was rested for their final match in Group A, as his teammates defeated Peru – with Ecuador now set to come in the quarter-finals. It is almost certain that Argentina’s talisman will be restored to the starting XI for the knockout rounds, with the team now three games from retaining the trophy they won back in 2021.

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With the Copa America final set to take place on July 15, Messi could have nine days between his next game if he is to take his team all the way to the showpiece in Miami. Assuming he does not feature for Inter Miami on July 18 and 21, his next outing could come in the MLS All-Star Game on July 24.

The star is among four players from Vice City who have been selected for the game, with Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets also having been called up. The match will see leading stars from MLS pitted against their equivalents from Mexico’s Liga MX, at Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio.

The roster for the All-Star Game consists of 30 players and has been put together as a result of voting via fan, players and the media. Meanwhile, the Columbus Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy also has had a hand in the final selection, along with MLS commissioner Don Garber.

Lionel Messi is currently leading Argentina at the Copa America tournament in the United States

Source link : https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/lionel-messi-copa-america-plans-33150207.amp

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Publish date : 2024-07-02 07:55:00

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