Rio de Janeiro: Argentine star Rodrigo De Paul said he feels scared just thinking about the day when captain Lionel Messi will no longer be part of the Argentina team. In an interview with an American TV channel, De Paul said that Messi assured him that he would come immediately if needed even after retiring. "It is easier for all of us with him around. We are secure because of Messi, and we are grateful for that. Messi is everything for this team. We always talk to him about this. If the national team needs anything, just pick up the phone and call; he will say I am always with you," De Paul said.
Both on and off the field, De Paul is always seen as Messi’s shadow, earning him the nickname "Messi’s bodyguard" among fans. Argentina is set to face Canada in the Copa America tournament tomorrow. In a recent friendly match against Guatemala, Messi scored twice, raising his goal tally in the Argentine Cup to 108. Messi holds the record for the most goals (108) and assists (57) for Argentina. Messi, who won gold for Argentina in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, waited 12 years for his first international title. He led Argentina to the championship in the 2020 Copa America, followed by the Finalissima title and the 2022 World Cup. Although there are indications that the 36-year-old Messi might retire from international football after the Copa America, there is strong pressure from team members and fans for him to continue playing until the 2026 World Cup. Messi, who left European football and moved to the Major League Soccer in America, is currently playing for Inter Miami, owned by David Beckham.
Ronaldinho's Shocking Comment on Brazil Was Just a Publicity Stunt
Rio de Janeiro: Football legend Ronaldinho's recent controversial comments against the Brazilian national team were revealed to be part of a publicity stunt. Just before the Copa America tournament, Ronaldinho had publicly declared that he would not watch Brazil's matches, stating that he had lost faith in the team. This statement caused a significant uproar among fans.
In an Instagram post, Ronaldinho mentioned, "I will not watch Brazil's matches this time; I have lost faith in the team." This comment went viral, with some criticizing the team's poor form as the reason for his frustration, while others felt it was inappropriate to make such a statement at a critical time.
Brazilian team member Raphinha responded to Ronaldinho's remarks, saying, "I don't know why he is saying this now. Ronaldinho is a respected figure, and the new team has new strength. Criticism is good, but we cannot accept negativity."
Adding a surprising twist to the controversy, Raphinha revealed that Ronaldinho had asked Vinicius Junior for tickets to Brazil's matches. This revelation suggested that Ronaldinho's comments were part of a larger scheme. Finally, Ronaldinho himself clarified that his remarks were part of a publicity strategy. He assured fans that he would support the team more than ever this year and expressed hope that the young stars could win the Copa America title.
With the revelation that the comments were a publicity stunt, Brazilian fans felt relieved, though some still questioned whether the tactic went too far. Brazil's first match in the Copa America is against Costa Rica on the 25th of this month. Colombia and Paraguay are the other opponents in their group. Last time, Brazil lost the Copa America final to Argentina.
Women Referees to Officiate in Copa America Football Tournament for the First Time
New York: For the first time in the history of the Copa America football tournament, women referees will officiate the matches. The tournament, hosted by the USA from June 20 to July 14, will see eight women referees in action. The list of 101 match officials, released today by the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL), includes eight women referees.
Edina Alves from Brazil and Maria Victoria Penso from the USA will be the main referees on the ground. Tatiana Guzman from Nicaragua (VAR official), Neuza Back from Brazil, Mary Blanco from Colombia, Migdalia Rodriguez from Venezuela, and Americans Brooke Mayo and Kathryn Nesbitt will serve as assistant referees. The organizers stated that this decision is a strong step by CONMEBOL towards ensuring gender equality and women's empowerment.
In 2021, Edina Alves made history by becoming the first woman to officiate a men's club World Cup match. Neuza Back from Brazil and Kathryn Nesbitt from the USA were officials at the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Neuza Back, Kathryn Nesbitt, and Maria Victoria Penso have also been selected as referees for the Olympic football matches.
This time, 16 teams are competing in the Copa America, divided into four groups. Defending champions and world champions Argentina are in Group A, alongside Peru, Chile, and Canada. Brazil is in Group D, with opponents Colombia, Paraguay, and Costa Rica.
Messi to Lead Argentina in Copa America; Paulo Dybala Left Out
Buenos Aires: World champions Argentina have announced their probable squad for the Copa America football tournament. The 29-member squad, led by Lionel Messi, includes most of the players from the World Cup team. However, veteran player Paulo Dybala did not make the cut. Manchester City star Julian Alvarez, Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez, and Bayer Leverkusen's Palacios have joined the Argentine team after winning league titles with their clubs. Manchester United's young star Garnacho also made it to the squad.
Argentina has two preparation matches against Ecuador and Guatemala on June 9 and 14, respectively. Coach Lionel Scaloni and his team will reduce the 29-member squad to 26 before the Copa America tournament, which starts on June 20. Argentina's first match is against Canada. Alongside Canada, Peru and Chile are also in Argentina's group. In the last Copa America final, Lionel Messi won his first international title by defeating Brazil by a single goal. Subsequently, Messi led Argentina to victory in the Qatar World Cup and the Finalissima. This will be Messi's first major tournament with Argentina after moving to Major League Soccer in the USA.
Argentina's Probable Squad for Copa America:
Goalkeepers: Franco Armani, Jeronimo Rulli, Emiliano Martinez.
Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel, Nahuel Molina, Leonardo Balerdi, Cristian Romero, German Pezzella, Lucas Martinez, Nicolas Otamendi, Lisandro Martinez, Marcos Acuna, Nicolas Tagliafico, Valentine Barco.
Midfielders: Guido Rodriguez, Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul, Exequiel Palacios, Enzo Fernandez, Giovanni Lo Celso.
Forwards: Angel Di Maria, Valentine Carboni, Lionel Messi, Angel Correa, Alejandro Garnacho, Nicolas Gonzalez, Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez.
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