Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi has spoken out about his fitness ahead of Argentina’s final clash with Colombia. Messi said he is improving despite injury problems since the group stage match against Chile, but is fit to play in the final as Argentina lift their second consecutive Copa America title.
“I felt fit against Canada, but against Chile I had a groin problem and I couldn’t play comfortably. I started to move slower, it bothered me when I had to stand up or move laterally. And I recovered just in time for the Ecuador game. I wasn’t injured, but I was always thinking something was wrong. But after the last game I got over it. ufabet http://ufabet999.app I feel better now and I’ll be better for the final.”
“This is a new generation of players and they are continental champions and world champions. They are only 23, 24, 25 years old and they still have a lot of time to play for their national team. I hope they don’t lose their passion to win. They have to compete and pass this on to the next generation. For me, it is important to have a good group of players. It will help you to succeed.”
Messi was a key player in Argentina’s Copa America 2021 and World Cup 2022 triumphs, the best of the Albiceleste’s campaigns in recent years, and the 2024 Copa America could see Lionel Messi play for Argentina for the last time in a major tournament.