Lionel Messi, Lisandro Martinez. (X)
Despite nearing forties, Lisandro believes the upcoming CONMEBOL event will certainly not be Messi’s last.
Argentine defender Lisandro Martinez feels that Lionel Messi will not be announcing his retirement anytime soon. Messi is set to turn 37 on June 24 this year. Three days before his birthday, the Inter Miami star will lead Argentina in their Copa America opener against Canada. Despite nearing forties, Lisandro believes the upcoming CONMEBOL event will certainly not be Messi’s last.
Speaking to ESPN ahead of the tournament, the Manchester United player said, “We don’t see it [as Messi’s last tournament with Argentina]. We see him happy and, with an impressive level. That’s what I can tell you.”
Lisandro also highlighted how having Messi on their team was always a plus. “Playing with Leo, for us it’s a very important plus. Everyone knows what Leo represents, he’s the best in the world. Having him play for our team is without a doubt a plus. We are very happy to share the day-to-day with him,” he said.
The Manchester United star further talked about how the Barcelona icon was enjoying time with his squad. “He’s very calm, more than anything he’s enjoying day-to-day. It’s beautiful to be here, we all have a great relationship,” Martinez concluded.
Argentina Coach Lionel Scaloni also had some words to share about Messi’s potential departure from the national team. This is what he had to say to Telemundo as per ESPN, “We Argentines are too melancholic. We are already thinking about the day when [Messi] is not here while he’s still playing.”
Scaloni then urged the supporters to focus on what was happening right now rather than worrying about the future. “Let’s enjoy him and we’ll see what happens next. I think what he’s doing right now is also important. And for everyone, not only for Argentina, because in the end Leo plays for those who like football. But someday [his retirement] will happen,” the coach said.
Messi etched his name in the history books with his performances in both club football and the international circuit. The ex-Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Barcelona icon has been an integral part of Argentina’s success as well.
Messi won the previous edition of the Copa America in 2021 before winning the FIFA World Cup in Qatar last year. Before these couple of trophies, Messi guided the Argentina national team to an Olympic Gold medal in 2008.