Trending topics:
Copa America 2024

Lionel Messi's request to protect Colombia's national team after 2024 Copa America Final

An Argentine player revealed the directive given by Lionel Messi to protect Colombia's national team after the 2024 Copa America final.

Lionel Messi of Argentina gestures during the Copa America 2024 Final match.
© Buda Mendes/Getty ImagesLionel Messi of Argentina gestures during the Copa America 2024 Final match.

More details have emerged from the 2024 Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia. It was revealed that Lionel Messi gave an order to protect Colombia and other opponents.

Before the Copa America final, former player Adolfo Valencia made comments about Messi and Ángel Di María’s current form at 37 and 36 years old, respectively, which reached the Argentine locker room.

“He’s not the Messi we were used to seeing at Barcelona, dribbling past six or seven players. He’s lost speed and strength over the years. Now anyone can mark Messi, without taking away from everything he’s done, as I’ve always been a fan of his and respected him as a player and person,” said Valencia on TyC Sports.

Advertisement

Valencia’s words reached Argentina’s locker room, and Rodrigo De Paul revealed their impact before Argentina’s 1-0 victory over Colombia in the 2024 Copa America final. “A Colombian said Messi and Di María were no longer the same, that they were old. We see those things,” said De Paul on Olga Streaming’s ‘Soñé que Volaba’.

Advertisement

Despite being injured and leaving the field in the 66th minute, Lionel Messi didn’t hesitate to give a directive to protect Colombia’s national team immediately after the Copa America final. However, this order was not followed and became public.

Messi’s directive to protect Colombia after 2024 Copa America Final

When referee Raphael Claus blew the final whistle, confirming Argentina’s 16th Copa America title, Lionel Messi’s instructions to his team were clear. “When the final ended, Messi came and the first thing he said was, ‘No one mocks anyone, let’s celebrate and enjoy our victory,’revealed Rodrigo De Paul on the program ‘Soñé que Volaba’.

Advertisement

De Paul was one of Argentina’s standout players during the Copa America, particularly in the final against Colombia. He demonstrated immense physical endurance and commitment throughout the 120 minutes of play.

ALSO READ

Where to watch Chile vs Venezuela live in the USA: Conmebol World Cup Qualifiers
Soccer

Where to watch Chile vs Venezuela live in the USA: Conmebol World Cup Qualifiers

Where to watch Argentina vs Peru live for free in the USA: Conmebol World Cup Qualifiers
Soccer

Where to watch Argentina vs Peru live for free in the USA: Conmebol World Cup Qualifiers

NCAAF News: Miami HC Mario Cristobal sends strong message on key Cam Ward weapon
College Football

NCAAF News: Miami HC Mario Cristobal sends strong message on key Cam Ward weapon

Report: Lionel Messi's Inter Miami face major setback, Gerardo Martino steps down as head coach
Soccer

Report: Lionel Messi's Inter Miami face major setback, Gerardo Martino steps down as head coach

Better Collective Logo