"Masterclass incoming", "Yeah it's going to pens" - Fans divided over star's inclusion in Lionel Messi-led Argentina XI for Copa America SF
Lionel Messi's Argentina face-off against Alphonso Davies' Canada in the semi-final of Copa America 2024 in a few minutes. La Albiceleste released their lineup for the all-important clash and fans are divided about the inclusion of Enzo Fernandez in the starting eleven.
Some of the reactions are as follows:
"Enzo DLP! We will be there," commented one fan on X (formerly Twitter).
"Enzo Fernandez masterclass incoming," raved another.
"ENZO PLAYING DLP," commented another fan with a funny GIF of Cristiano Ronaldo crying.
One fan even suggested alternatives to using Fernandez in the midfield trio of Lionel Messi's side. The fan went with AS Roma midfielder Leandro Paredes, who has been used by Lionel Scaloni as a substitute in most Copa America matches and has been quite effective coming off the bench and giving that extra solidity to the midfield.
"Enzo starting even after that show last time? Give Parades some chance man!" exclaimed one fan.
"Enzo?yeah its going to pens," declared another.
"NOOO WHY ENZO," cried another fan.
Lastly, one fan declared that they don't endorse Enzo Fernandez's inclusion in the squad but would be happy if proven wrong in the Copa America clash against Canada.
"I don’t think sticking with Enzo is the way to go but hopefully I’m wrong," announced the fan.
Copa America clash between Lionel Messi's Argentina and Alphonso Daives' Canada explained in numbers
Lionel Messi's Argentina were one of the overwhelming favorites to win the Copa America even before the start of the tournament. However, Canada have turned out to be the dark horse in the tournament and have achieved much more than fans and pundits predicted before the tournament.
Argentina have a solid record against Alphonso Davies' side as they have won both the clashes between the sides so far. This is the second time the two teams are meeting in this tournament, with Lionel Messi's team defeating Canada in their group-stage clash on June 20.
In that game, Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez scored in the second half to make it 2-0 for La Albiceleste at the end of 90 minutes. Alvarez is one of the starters in today's match, with Martinez waiting to make an impact by coming off the bench.
Lautaro Martinez has been the most impactful player for the blue and white outfit so far. He has scored four goals coming off the bench. He is also the lead scorer in Copa America 2024 so far. Argentina have also won their last 10 games against CONCACAF oppositions, without conceding any goals in their last four matches.
Finally, if the match remains tied at the end of 90 minutes, the Albiceleste camp has a penalty expert by the name of Emiliano Martinez in between the sticks. The Aston Villa goalkeeper has been prolific for Argentina so far and has not lost a single penalty shootout since Lionel Scaloni's tenure as the manager of the side.