Argentina head to the US for the 2024 Copa America as current trophy holders and world champions after triumphing in Qatar at the end of 2022.
Lionel Messi’s double triumph ended years of frustration for both him and long-suffering Argentina fans as they won their first Copa America title since 1993 and their first World Cup since 1986.
Both trophies secured a milestone for Messi as he finally equaled Diego Maradona’s 1986 world title, with the former Barcelona star putting in a sensational display en route to glory in Qatar.
Despite moving to Inter Miami in July 2023, Messi has remained committed to his role as Argentina captain as he prepares to turn 37 during the tournament.
Will Lionel Messi play in Copa America 2024?
Messi remained a fixture in Lionel Scaloni’s 2023 plans, making five appearances in six 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers ahead of the MLS winter break in the United States.
His current contract at Inter Miami runs until December 2025 and he will return to Florida for pre-season training in late January ahead of the 2024 MLS season.
If Messi remains fit and injury-free, he is certain to lead Argentina at the tournament, with Inter Miami showing flexibility and allowing him to continue his national team career at the club.
Did Lionel Messi win the Copa America?
The 2021 Copa America final was a battle between two CONMEBOL football powerhouses in Rio de Janeiro,
Messi and Argentina reached the knockout stage after advancing through their group unbeaten and beating Ecuador and Colombia in the next stage.
Despite Angel Di Maria scoring the winner in a 1-0 final victory over Brazil, Argentina’s players surrounded Messi until full-time as he sealed a first-ever Copa America title at his sixth attempt.
Lionel Messi’s Copa America record
Six Copa America tournaments have seen Messi rack up 34 appearances and 13 goals, including the Golden Boot award in 2021.
He is level with Chile’s Sergio Livingstone with the most appearances (34) in the competition and four behind Norberto Mendez and Zizinho (17) as the tournament’s top ever goalscorer.
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