When Lionel Messi lifted the World Cup trophy in Qatar, it wasn’t just a victory for Argentina; it was the culmination of a career-defining moment for the footballing legend. Breaking a nearly three-decade-long drought since their last global triumph in 1986, Argentina’s triumph over France solidified Messi’s legacy as one of the greatest players to grace the sport. Now, as La Albiceleste prepares for the upcoming Copa América, the question looms: what’s next for Messi and his team?
The 2024 Copa América, hosted in the United States with an expanded 16-team format, marks Messi’s first outing as a defending champion for Argentina. The tournament features a mix of South American powerhouses and Concacaf guests, adding a unique flavor to the competition. For Messi, who has spent much of his career shouldering the weight of Argentina’s expectations, the dynamics have shifted post-World Cup. The pressure remains, but without the burden of years of underachievement.
“We are very hungry,” emphasized Argentina center back Lisandro Martínez, highlighting the team’s determination to build on their recent successes. The statistics speak volumes: undefeated since winning the World Cup, with a commanding lead in CONMEBOL qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, Argentina underlines their dominance with a record that boasts 28 goals scored and only three conceded.
Diego Valeri, former Argentine midfielder turned pundit, observes, “The expectation is always high. But coming from winning everything, it’s something that I think is going to help because the pressure is going to be there — but not the same tension.” This sentiment reflects a team riding high on momentum, buoyed by recent triumphs but keenly aware of the challenges ahead.
At 37 years old, Messi’s future with the national team remains uncertain. Despite a move to MLS club Inter Miami and a stellar season tallying 25 goals and 23 assists, Messi has continued to deliver for both club and country. His presence remains pivotal as Argentina gears up for Copa América, where they face a challenging group stage against formidable opponents like Chile and Peru.
Coach Lionel Scaloni’s affirmation that Messi will start against Guatemala underscores the captain’s integral role in Argentina’s strategy. The friendly against Guatemala serves as a crucial tune-up before their Copa América opener against Canada, setting the stage for what promises to be an intense tournament for La Albiceleste.
Alongside Messi, other key players like Emiliano Martínez, Nicolás Otamendi, and Ángel Di María bring experience and skill to the squad. Notably, Di María has announced this will be his final international campaign, adding emotional weight to Argentina’s pursuit of continental glory.
Yet, amidst the seasoned veterans, a new generation of talent emerges. Young stars like Valentín Barco, Valentín Carboni, and Alejandro Garnacho represent the future of Argentine football, eager to make their mark on the international stage alongside a living legend.
As Argentina prepares to defend its Copa América title, the narrative shifts from redemption to legacy-building. For Messi and his teammates, each match offers an opportunity to cement their status in football history and inspire a new generation of Argentine footballers.
“We want to keep growing as a team,” affirms Gonzalo Montiel, the hero of Argentina’s World Cup-clinching penalty against France. “We want to take advantage of the opportunities that we have, and we want to remain healthy for the first game of Copa América.”
As the world watches, Lionel Messi and Argentina embark on their next chapter, striving to prove that their World Cup triumph was not an endpoint but a beginning of a new era for Argentine football.
Messi leading the charge, Argentina’s journey post-World Cup continues to captivate fans and pundits alike, showcasing a team poised for further success on the global stage.
