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Fans are surprised at the inclusion of Lionel Messi in the 2024 Copa America Team of the Tournament. The Argentine great featured for La Albiceleste as they successfully defended their Copa America title in the USA, claiming a fourth straight international title.
Argentina overcame Colombia 1-0 in extra time in the final. Messi could not finish the match, lasting only 66 minutes before being forced off with a gruesome-looking ankle injury.
Lionel Messi struggled with fitness issues throughout the tournament and was far from his best. He picked up an adductor injury during the second group game against Chile, which forced him to miss the third group game. He returned half-fit for the quarter-finals before picking up another injury in the final.
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Messi was still named in the team of the tournament alongside many of teammates, including goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and defender Cristian Romero. Rodrigo De Paul and Lautaro Martinez were also included.
Fans were left perplexed with the decision to include the Inter Miami ace in the team and shared their thoughts via X.
"This man literally did nothing.😭"
"Embarrassing"
A fan commented on how James Rodriguez was included in midfield to accommodate Messi in the team of the tournament.
"They put James Rodriguez as CM just to fit Messi in 😭😭😭😂", they wrote.
Another fan attributed the decision to include Messi as a PR stunt.
"For Scoring 1 Goal in the entire tournament 😭😭😭😭 I have never seen this PR of any player", they posted.
Another fan shared the same thoughts, attributing it to PR.
"HOW? Messi Pr is annoying 😭", they wrote.
Lionel Messi managed just a goal and an assist throughout the tournament for La Albiceleste. His side found a way to succeed without him, and Lautaro Martinez proved his mettle, winning the tournament's Golden Boot with five goals.
Lionel Messi set to miss Inter Miami's Leagues Cup clash with Tigres
Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi is set to be unavailable for the Herons when they face Mexican outfit Tigres in the Leagues Cup on August 3. Tata Martino's side began their title defence in style, with a 2-0 win over Puebla.
Messi was watching from the sidelines as he continues to recover from his ankle injury picked up against Colombia. Journalist Michelle Kaufmann has said that the 37-year-old is still unavailable for the side.
“The swelling has gone down, he’s walking a lot better, but he’s still wearing the boot as of Saturday. Tata said he’s going to have several more days in the boot. Once it’s off, then they’ll be able to evaluate when he start doing things on the field."
Messi was instrumental for his side in their Leagues Cup triumph in 2023, winning the awards for the best player and top scorer. In his absence, the Herons will be hopeful of the likes of Luis Suarez, Robert Taylor and Leonardo Campana doing the job.
