Copa America: Lionel Messi Named in Team of the Tournament
- Argentina and Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi has been named in the Copa América Team of the Tournament
- The Inter Miami star is joined by four other Argentinians: Lautaro Martínez, Emiliano Martínez, Cristian Romero, and Rodrigo De Paul
- Despite an ankle injury that forced him to exit the final and contribute just one goal and one assist in five matches, Messi earned a spot in the Best XI
Lionel Messi is among the five Argentina players selected for Conmebol's 2024 Copa América team of the tournament, announced more than two weeks after the event concluded.
Even though Messi netted only once and provided one assist across five games, he earned a spot in the best XI.
The Inter Miami captain was taken off during the second half of Argentina’s 1-0 win against Colombia in the final on July 14 due to an ankle issue.
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Inter Milan's Lautaro Martínez, who scored the crucial goal in the final, was selected as one of the forwards, alongside Barcelona’s Raphinha, who is the only Brazilian in the squad.
James Rodríguez from Colombia was named the tournament’s MVP and was included in a midfield trio with Uruguay’s Manuel Ugarte and Argentina’s Rodrigo de Paul.
Celtic's Alistair Johnston, thrilled to be chosen as one of the four defenders, shared his excitement on X:
“My Spanish isn’t perfect, but this looks like a great XI.”The defensive lineup featured Davinson Sánchez from Colombia and Cristian Romero from Argentina as centre-backs, with Ecuador’s Piero Hincapié taking the left-back position.
Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martínez, crucial in keeping Argentina's defensive record to just one goal conceded during the tournament and making key saves in a penalty shootout against Ecuador in the quarterfinals, was selected as the goalkeeper.
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Messi picks 2024 Ballon d'Or contenders
Earlier, Legit.ng disclosed that Messi has named Vinicius and Kylian Mbappe among the frontrunners for the 2024 Ballon d’Or award but has excluded Jude Bellingham from the race.
The England midfielder, who had a stellar debut season with Real Madrid, is expected to provide stiff competition to whoever is in the running for the prize.
The Ballon d’Or, which both Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi have largely dominated over the last decade, saw the Argentina captain add another to his record-extending accolade following his triumph at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Source: YEN.com.gh
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