Messi admitted that Chile has become more unpredictable under Gareca’s direction, but he and the whole team are still determined to defeat their opponents to firmly secure the top spot in Group A of Copa America.
Lionel Messi and the Argentina team are facing a new challenge at Copa America 2024 . After a 2-0 victory over Canada in the opening match, La Albiceleste is looking forward to the next important match against Chile.
However, Argentina does not show complacency against this arch-rival, especially when Chile is undergoing significant changes under the leadership of new coach Ricardo Gareca.
In the interview after the win over Canada, captain Lionel Messi expressed his caution before the upcoming match. He emphasized: “We are in a difficult group. Now we will face a very competitive team, and the arrival of Ricardo Gareca has brought something different to them. “.
Gareca has changed the face of the Chilean national team since taking over. Photo: Getty Images.
Ricardo Gareca – who had great success leading the Peru team, was appointed head coach of Chile in early 2024. With rich experience and deep understanding of South American football, Gareca quickly created positive changes in Chile’s playing style. This not only makes Chile a more formidable opponent but also makes opponents, including Argentina, wary.
Messi also recalled the history of confrontation between the two teams, especially the painful memories at Copa America 2015 and 2016, when Argentina consecutively lost to Chile in the finals. These losses are still painful in the hearts of Argentine players, and will certainly be the motivation for them to seek victory in the upcoming match.
Messi and Argentina are in the US competing in the 2024 Copa America. Photo: Getty Images.
To prepare for the match, the Argentina team conducted its first training session on Saturday in New Jersey. The training session went smoothly, no players suffered injuries or collisions. The players went through warm-up exercises, technical training with the ball, and tactical training. In particular, goalkeepers also have their own exercises to improve reflexes and ball-catching skills.
Coach Lionel Scaloni will have two more days to perfect tactics and come up with the most optimal lineup for the match against Chile. This match is considered an opportunity for Argentina to not only consolidate its top position in Group A but also affirm the strength of the reigning world champion.
Image of Messi in the latest training session with Argentina. Photo: Getty Images.
The match between Argentina and Chile will take place on Wednesday, June 26, and will certainly be one of the most worth-watching matches of Copa America 2024. Not only is it a confrontation between two strong teams, this is also is a competition between two schools of football, as well as a tactical confrontation between two talented coaches Scaloni and Gareca.
