"Messi can now be marked by anyone" - Ex-Colombia star makes bold claim ahead of 2024 Copa America final against Argentina
Former Colombia striker Adolfo Valencia reckons Argentina captain Lionel Messi is no longer one who cannot be marked, ahead of the 2024 Copa America final at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Sunday (July 14).
La Albiceleste have reached back-to-back Copa finals by beating Canada 2-0 in the last-four. Julian Alvarez opened the scoring before Messi opened his account for the campaign as Lionel Scaloni's side move within one win of a fourth-straight title.
However, ahead of the big game this weekendn, Valencia said that Albiceleste captain Messi's dribbling is on the wane, an 'advantage' he wants Colombia to exploit. He said (as per Albiceleste Talk):
"He is no longer the Messi we were used to seeing at Barcelona, who could get past six or seven players. He has lost speed and strength over the years.
"That is an advantage we have to try to exploit. Without taking away from everything he has done, Messi can now be marked by anyone."
La Pulga has contributed a goal and an assist in what has been a lukewarm continental campaign. Nevertheless, he's now on the cusp of another title with his national team, which would be his first since moving to MLS side Inter Miami last summer.
"We're focused" - Argentina captain Lionel Messi ahead of 2024 Copa America final with Colombia
Argentina captain Lionel Messi foresees a tough title match as the 2024 Copa America in the United States nears its conclusion. La Albiceleste take on Colombia - who beat Uruguay 1-0 in the second semi-final - in the final.
Following their own semi-final win over Canada, Messi and Co. watched the second semi-final between Colombia and Uruguay. Sharing his thoughts on the upcoming opponents - who are unbeaten in 28 games - La Pulga said (as per Albiceleste Talk):
"We watched the Uruguay-Colombia match. We knew that whoever it was going to be, it would be tough. For a reason, Colombia hasn’t lost in a long time. It’s a team with very good players, very intense as well. Up front, they have quick and dynamic players. And well, it’s a final.
"Finals are always different matches. But we’re doing well, we’re calm like we’ve been throughout the whole tournament, enjoying everything that’s happening to us. And well, we’re focused on what that final is going to be.”
Messi and Co. are striving to become the first back-to-back Copa America champions since Chile in 2015-16, while Colombia haven't won the competition since 2001, their sole Copa triumph.