Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Martínez: Don't see Copa as Messi's last tourney

Written by 
Published in Soccer
Thursday, 06 June 2024 16:47

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martínez said the Argentina national team doesn't consider the 2024 Copa América to be Lionel Messi's last tournament with La Albiceleste, adding that the captain remains the world's best player.

Messi has said it will be difficult for him to play at the 2026 World Cup, when he will turn 39, though coach Lionel Scaloni has voiced belief that the eight time Ballon d'Or winner can make it to the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

- Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, NWSL more (U.S.)

"He's very calm, more than anything he's enjoying the day to day. It's beautiful to be here, we all have a great relationship," Martínez said in a media availability Thursday, during the team's preparations in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

"When one is here, one is very happy. We feel at home, which is important. We don't see it [as his last tournament with Argentina.] We see him happy, and with an impressive level. That's what I can tell you."

Messi has been an integral part of the Argentinian national team's recent success, captaining the side to win the 2021 Copa América and 2022 FIFA World Cup. Since his debut in 2005, the forward has scored 106 goals in 180 international appearances to become the country's all-time top scorer.

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star remains in fine form, scoring 11 goals and adding 12 assists in 12 games for Inter Miami CF in MLS this season. His contract with Miami runs through the end of the 2025 season.

"Playing with Leo, for us it's a very important plus," Martínez added. "Everyone knows what Leo represents, he's the best in the world. Having him play for our team is without a doubt a plus. We are very happy to share the day to day with him."

Argentina will face Ecuador and Guatemala in friendlies to prepare for the upcoming Copa América. The event is being hosted in the U.S., with four teams from Concacaf -- including the hosts -- joining 10 from South America.

"Copa América is a complicated tournament," Martínez said. "Without a doubt, everyone wants to beat us because we're the reigning champions.

"But if we go into it thinking of a couple 'favorites' or 'strong teams' we're only hurting ourselves. We know what we represent, so every game for us is a final.

"Our expectation is to win Copa América."

Martínez maintains that the team is focused and training at an "impressive" level that leads him to believe Argentina can once again lift the coveted trophy.

"Without a doubt, everyone wants to beat us," he said. "But we're ready for that and work hard for that. We have a great team, with players that are incredible. When training, it's incredible to see the talent and effort being put in. We're ready."

Argentina kick off their Copa América campaign on June 20 when facing Canada in the inaugural match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Read 170 times

Soccer

Ancelotti: Olmo clearance doesn't mar LaLiga

Ancelotti: Olmo clearance doesn't mar LaLiga

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsReal Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti does not believe the decision to...

Depleted U.S. to experiment in Olympic rematch

Depleted U.S. to experiment in Olympic rematch

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsINGLEWOOD, Calif. -- United States women's national team coach Emma...

Arsenal's Arteta on Gabriel injury: We can cope

Arsenal's Arteta on Gabriel injury: We can cope

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsMikel Arteta has claimed Arsenal "have the resources to cope" with...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

NBA fines Morant $75K for finger-gun gestures

NBA fines Morant $75K for finger-gun gestures

EmailPrintMIAMI -- Ja Morant showed off an imaginary gun. The NBA hit back with a real fine.A day af...

How Nikola Jokic quietly became a defensive analytics darling

How Nikola Jokic quietly became a defensive analytics darling

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsDRAPED IN A towel, Anthony Edwards burst into the Target Center hom...

Baseball

Soroka goes on IL after hurting arm in Nats debut

Soroka goes on IL after hurting arm in Nats debut

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsWASHINGTON -- Washington Nationals right-hander Michael Soroka went...

O's Henderson off IL; will make '25 debut vs. KC

O's Henderson off IL; will make '25 debut vs. KC

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsBaltimore Orioles All-Star shortstop Gunnar Henderson was activated...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated