Former USA international Alexis Lalas has shared what he’s going to find most ‘fascinating’ about Lionel Messi competing at the Copa America this summer.
The Inter Miami superstar will captain Argentina in what could be Messi’s final major tournament with his international team, with the South American giants the reigning world and continental champions.
Having won the 2022 FIFA World Cup, there was always an expectation that this summer’s Copa America could be Messi’s last for Argentina, even with the likes of Julian Alvarez urging the forward to remain with the national team.
And Lalas has noted what he will find interesting about this summer’s Copa America in regards to Messi.
Lalas questions if Copa America form could inspire Messi to play at the 2026 World Cup
Speaking to Fox News, Lalas noted how interesting it will be to see if Messi’s Copa America form could lead to competing in the 2026 World Cup, with the pundit saying: “There was a time not too long ago before Messi was a champion of the world where it did not go well in terms of the final product, and he retired.
“I’m just fascinated this summer, as it relates to 2026, what he looks like with Argentina now in the first time since the World Cup and, more importantly, how much has changed relative to how we look at him.
“Not that he’s great, but in the context of America and his new backyard and his neighborhood and [what] he’s doing with Inter Miami, as opposed to Cristiano Ronaldo over there in Saudi Arabia, and for a lot of people, it’s kind of out of [sight], out of mind.
“Even though they’re competing in tournaments, and they’re happening at the same time, there will [still] be the inevitable compare and contrast with what’s going on and the fates of both of these teams relative to these two incredible players.”
This summer could be it for Messi and the national team
With Messi himself even suggesting that he needs to listen to his body at his age, there’s a good chance that this summer could be the last time we see Mess in the famous blue and white of Argentina.
The 36-year-old Inter Miami star has won every international title there is out there from the World Cup to a gold medal at the Olympics, with Messi becoming Argentina’s record-goalscorer as a result.
And whilst the idea of playing at the 2026 World Cup would be a dream, Messi could be too old to compete in the competition, with this summer likely to be the last time we see the greatest for Argentina.