Lionel Messi, the captain of the Argentina national team, spoke about the chances of the tango dancers in winning the Copa America 2024. Messi stated, as highlighted by the Spanish newspaper "Sport": "I have always said and continue to say that Argentina is the favorite to win, but by our nature, we always consider ourselves the best, and we often assume things are guaranteed, which leads us to many shocks."
He added: "Today we can say that we are the best, because we are the current world champions, but that doesn’t mean we will win the Copa America easily." He continued: "The competition is closer than ever, and there are contenders such as Ecuador, which has a generation of excellent young players who know exactly what they want. Furthermore, there are Colombia, Uruguay, and Brazil. That’s why I say it will be a very balanced tournament."
Messi went on: "The good thing for us is that the group is aware of this and understands that we need to continue doing what we have been doing, and even more, to win again." He added: "Achieving everything we have in such a short time gives you confidence. It makes you feel like everything has been accomplished."
He remarked: "Winning the World Cup was a form of revenge after losing the final in 2014... I have always been grateful for the love I received throughout my career. It felt as if everyone wanted my career to end this way, and that I couldn't leave football without being a world champion."
He continued: "Thanks to God, we were able to achieve that, and I have won everything and received more than I dreamed of when I started, because I never imagined I would experience all of this." He concluded: "I believe everything happens for a reason, and everything is written. For me, if it is meant to happen, it will surely happen. This is predetermined, and God has prepared it for me to be this way, and that it will happen."
