Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez feels the upcoming Copa America will be not Lionel Messi’s last tournament with Argentina. Messi has confirmed in the past that he doesn’t see himself playing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup as he will be 39.
However, the team’s head coach Lionel Scaloni has said that Messi can be part of their title defense in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Messi was expected to announce his retirement from the international stage after winning the 2022 World Cup but he wanted to keep playing as a World Cup champion.
Messi played an instrumental role in guiding Argentina to their third World Cup title as he scored seven goals and provided three assists in the 2022 edition in Qatar.
“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.”
Scaloni urged Argentina to enjoy Messi when he is still going strongly at the top level.
“We Argentines are too melancholic,” he told Telemundo. “We are already thinking about the day when [Messi] is not here while he’s still playing.
“Let’s enjoy him and we’ll see what happens next. I think what he’s doing right now is so important. And for everyone, not only for Argentina, because at the end Leo plays for those who like football. But someday [his retirement] will happen.”
Martinez said they are learning from Lionel Messi and having him is a big boost for the team.
“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 kick off their Copa América campaign against Canada on June 20.
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