Portland Timbers goalkeeper and Canadian international Maxime Crepeau has shared what it’s like facing Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi at the Copa America.
The Argentine captain was named in the starting XI for Thursday’s Copa America opener in Atlanta against Canada, with Crepeau between the sticks for Jesse Marsch’s side as the reigning world champions claimed a 2-0 win.
Assisting Lautaro Martinez, Messi was in fine form for Argentina as the 36-year-old attacker looks to win his second Copa America title with the Albiceleste, with former Inter Miami defender Kamal Miller already interacting with the forward.
And Canada no. 1 Crepeau has now given his verdict on facing Messi and Argentina.
Crepeau gives ‘insane’ Messi verdict as Argentina beat Canada at the Copa America
Speaking to the press after the match, Crepeau noted how ‘insane’ Messi and Argentina were during the game, though the Timbers star revealed he wasn’t ‘fazed’ about facing the Inter Miami superstar in Atlanta.
Indeed, Messi will be influential for Argentina this summer in their quest to retain the Copa America, and Crepeau’s impression of facing the 36-year-old paints a picture of how fired up the forward is for this tournament.
Crepeau said on facing Messi and Argentina: “When you play Argentina, you know you’ll have some important actions, and you know Messi and Di Maria are there. They have some world-class players, but it’s about being big in certain moments.
“I don’t get fazed by [Messi] during the game, but yes, it’s something insane. With this group, we know we have the quality to compete, we’ve come a long way, and now it’s about getting the pieces together.”
Messi can lead Argentina to a historic third consecutive title
Argentina were the pre-tournament favorites heading into this summer’s Copa America, with Messi and company showing in the first game against Canada that they have the quality to retain their title this year.
And if the Inter Miami star can stay fit throughout the tournament, there’s a real chance that Argentina can secure themselves a third consecutive international title, a feat the South American giants haven’t achieved since the 1940s.
The road to the Copa America is long, though, yet if any country is to stand a chance of claiming this summer’s South American title, Argentina already look like the safest bet.