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Copa America 2024

Lionel Messi: What’s next in 2024 after winning Copa America?

The greatest soccer player of all time secured his fourth national team championship with Argentina, his second Copa America. Now, the remainder of 2024 sees him first recovering from injury and then focusing on World Cup qualifying and the MLS playoffs.

Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami looks on against Atlanta United during the first half of the game at Chase Stadium on May 29, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
© Megan Briggs/Getty ImagesLionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami looks on against Atlanta United during the first half of the game at Chase Stadium on May 29, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Despite injuring his ankle and not having his best Copa America, Argentina’s national team captain lifted the trophy for the second time in his career. Lionel Messi struggled with knocks throughout the tournament and never quite found the rhythm he’s known for.

As Argentina travels back to Buenos Aires, the national team prepares for a welcome home celebration while Messi tends to his ankle. The pressing question now is how long Messi will be sidelined?

Inter Miami still has the Leagues Cup and a push in the MLS playoffs to contend with. On the national team front, Argentina faces World Cup qualifiers. Here’s how the rest of the year is shaping up for Lionel Messi:

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Inter Miami

Video: Lautaro Martinez scores for Argentina in second-half extra time of Copa America 2024 final

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In MLS, Messi will be pleased to see that his club performed well during his absence. Currently in second place in the MLS East, Inter Miami is well-positioned for the playoffs. 

Lionel Messi

Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi

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Messi’s participation in the MLS All-Star game on July 24th looks unlikely due to swelling around his ankle. The Leagues Cup begins on July 27th, and it remains uncertain whether Messi will have recovered from his Copa America injuries by then.

Argentina 

Video: Lionel Messi’s ankle swollen and in bad shape after injury in Copa America 2024 final

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Argentina will conclude three FIFA windows in 2024 with six World Cup qualifying matches, potentially securing their spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

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Key fixtures include a rematch with Colombia on September 10th in Barranquilla. After that, the path ahead should be smoother for Lionel Messi and his teammates.

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