“I already lost the fear” - Lionel Messi makes admission on his condition ahead of Argentina’s Copa America final vs Colombia
Argentina captain Lionel Messi has allayed concerns about his physical condition ahead of the 2024 Copa America final with Colombia at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida, on Sunday (July 14). The 37-year-old has been blighted by injuries this year, especially at the Copa.
La Pulga sat out the final group-stage game with Peru due to concerns of his fitness. Messi has now admitted that he had an adductor issue in the 1-0 group-stage win over Chile in the second game.
After resting for one game, Messi played the first knockout game against Ecuardor - where he missed a spot-kick - saying that he didn't experience any discomfort. Now, ahead of the Colombia game, the eight-time winner said (as per Albiceleste Talk) that both his mind and body are free from injury fear:
"With Canada in the first game, I felt very good physically. With Chile, I had the adductor issue and didn't play comfortably anymore. With Ecuador, I just made it in time too. I was fine from the injury, but I had it in my head that something was wrong.
"In the last game, I already lost the fear, and I think in these past days and in the final, I will feel better."
Messi opened his account for the campaign in the 2-0 semi-final win over Canada, having also registered an assist in the 2-0 group-stage win over the same opponents in Argentina's campaign opener.
How has Argentina captain Lionel Messi fared at the Copa America ahead of clash with Colombia?
Lionel Messi is a Copa America veteran, playing 38 games across seven different editions, contributing 14 goals and 18 assists. That includes a goal and an assist in four games in the 2024 edition of the competition.
Ahead of his fifth Copa final, Messi suffered defeats in the first three - 2007, 2015 and 2016 - before striking gold three years ago in Brazil. It marked his first senior title with La Albiceleste, adding to his 2008 Summer Olympics gold in Beijing.
La Pulga will now look to add another Copa America title to his kitty at Colombia's expense. If he does so, it will be Messi and Co's fourth straight senior title, having also won the 2022 Finalissima and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.