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Copa America is one of the most demanding cup competitions on the planet, both physically and psychologically. It starts with psychological warfare in press conferences and extends well into the pitch, with contestants doing everything in their power to unsettle opponents. Additionally, there is the weight of expectations, with every fan asking their nation’s heroes to deliver the goods at the grandest continental stage.
Younger players tend to cherish these competitions, as they have much more left to prove. Many older players, meanwhile, take a backseat, retiring from international duty and channeling their energy toward club soccer. Thankfully for us fans, there are exceptions — veterans who are still up for a fight even in the twilight years of their careers.
Here are five such warriors who have turned up for their nations in Copa America 2024:
Data: The dataset here from Transfermarkt displays the players’ ages in their last match of the competition.
#5 Lionel Messi (Argentina): 37 years 01 days
Lionel Messi Has Yet To Open His Account In Copa America
Easily the star attraction of Copa America 2024, Argentina leader and legend Lionel Messi was 37 years and 01 days old when he took to the field in the 1-0 win over Chile on June 25. The Inter Miami star played a fine game, completing the most dribbles (7), creating the most chances (5), and hitting the woodwork once. Unfortunately, Messi was not fit to feature in Argentina’s final Group A game against Peru on June 29. But La Albiceleste managed to keep up the good work, bagging a thumping 2-0 win courtesy of a brace from Lautaro Martinez.
Messi’s heroics for Argentina do not need rehashing. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has guided his nation to the Copa America as well as the FIFA World Cup, finishing as the Player of the Tournament on both occasions. He has donned the national jersey in 184 matches, scoring 108 times and providing 58 assists. The maverick has yet to score in Copa…
Source link : https://sportslens.com/news/oldest-players-copa-america-lionel-messi/
Author : Sushan Chakraborty
Publish date : 2024-07-04 05:42:21
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