"How many years are we going to enjoy you" - Argentina star sends message to Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho after Copa America win
Argentina midfielder Rodrigo De Paul has sent a message to Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho after La Albiceleste's 2024 Copa America win. Lionel Messi and company beat Colombia 1-0 in the final on Sunday, July 14, to win their second successive Copa America title and their 16th overall.
Following the triumph, Garnacho made a post on Instagram sharing a picture of himself with the Copa America trophy. The caption read:
"1/1 🏆 A dream come true! 🥹 now let’s go for more goals together! 🙏🏽 @afaseleccion Looking forward to the next one! 💙🤍"
Rodrigo De Paul commented on the 20-year-old forward's post and wrote:
"Present and future, how many years are we going to enjoy you, man!!"
Garnacho, who made his senior debut for Argentina in 2023, has made six appearances for his nation to date, with one of those coming in Copa America 2024. However, he has yet to make a goal contribution in Argentina colors.
The 20-year-old scored 10 goals and provided five assists in 50 matches across competitions for Manchester United last season.
Alejandro Garnacho will not be representing Argentina at the 2024 Paris Olympics and will be joining the Red Devil's squad for pre-season instead.
Manchester United boss on Argentina star Alejandro Garnacho's performance at the Copa America
Following Argentina's 2024 Copa America win, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag spoke about Alejandro Garnacho. He wants the youngster to continue pushing with his international future and break into Argentina's starting XI as his club teammate Lisandro Martinez has done.
While speaking on MUTV, the Dutch manager said (via Yahoo News):
"At least, I want to see they’re acting like Manchester United [players], so hard to beat, team spirit, showing energy, intensity. That is the least I expect, but I told them in my team talk, which I gave yesterday, look at the Copa America final involving Alejandro Garnacho [for Argentina]."
"Unfortunately, he didn’t play and that’s his next challenge, to become a starting XI player like Lisandro Martinez has, and the Euro final yesterday with Kobbie Mainoo," continued Erik ten Hag.
The former Ajax coach added:
“Last season in the same game [first pre-season match], Kobbie Mainoo was part of it, so for them it’s also possible, but they have to earn the right to play in the first-team of Manchester United. You don’t get it – you have to earn it. We have a mixed group and the senior players must get match fitness and guide the youngsters, help and support them.”
Manchester United will face rivals Manchester City in the 2024 FA Community Shield at Wembley Stadium in London on August 10.