Lionel Messi expressed his joy at being in his “last battles” with Argentina after scoring in a 2-0 win over Canada on Tuesday, securing a spot in the Copa América final. The 37-year-old star, who now plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, delivered a vintage performance alongside Angel Di Maria and Julian Alvarez, who also scored.
Following a subpar display against Ecuador in the quarter-finals, Messi looked rejuvenated. “I’m living it like I lived it in the last Copa América, in the last World Cup… these are the last battles and I’m enjoying them to the maximum,” Messi told TyC Sports after the match, setting up a final showdown against either Uruguay or Colombia.
While Messi has yet to confirm his participation in the 2026 World Cup, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni urged patience regarding Messi’s future. “We have to leave him alone,” Scaloni said. “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.”
Messi aims for a third consecutive major title with Argentina, following the 2022 World Cup and the 2021 Copa América. Reflecting on the achievements, Messi acknowledged the contributions of veteran teammates Di Maria and Nicolas Otamendi. “The truth is that it’s crazy what this group has done… it gives value to all the tournaments I and the old generation have played in,” he said.
Despite the comfortable win over Canada, Messi noted the challenges faced in the tournament. “It’s a difficult Copa, evenly matched, with very bad pitches, high temperatures, very tough teams, and for us to be in a final again is something to enjoy,” he remarked.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez echoed Messi’s sentiments, expressing pride in 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,” he said.
With the final looming, Argentina is set to compete for yet another prestigious title, continuing their streak of success on the international stage.
