Alexi Lalas shares what he’s most ‘fascinated’ about Lionel Messi at the Copa America

What will be most “fascinating” to former USA international Alexis Lalas about Lionel Messi competing at the Copa America this summer?

Argentina, the defending world and continental champions, will be led by the Inter Miami sensation, Lionel Messi, in what may be his final major competition as a member of his national side.

Even if players like Julian Alvarez urged Messi to stay with the national team, there was always the possibility that this summer’s Copa America would be his last for Argentina after the squad won the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Additionally, Lalas has mentioned what he thinks Messi’s performance at this summer’s Copa America will be noteworthy.

In an interview with Fox News, Lalas mentioned how intriguing it will be to watch if Messi’s success in the Copa America leads to him playing in the 2026 World Cup.

The pundit remarked, “Not too long ago, before Messi was a world champion, it did not go well in terms of the final product, and he retired.”

“This summer, I’m really intrigued by 2026—how he appears with Argentina for the first time since the World Cup and, more significantly, how much our perception of him has changed.

“Not that he’s amazing, but compared to Cristiano Ronaldo out there in Saudi Arabia, and in the context of America and his new backyard and neighborhood and [what] he’s doing with Inter Miami, and for a lot of people, it’s kind of out of [sight], out of mind.

“There will inevitably be a compare and contrast with what’s going on and the fates of both of these teams relative to these two incredible players, even though they’re competing in tournaments and happening at the same time.”

This summer may be the last time we see Messi in the renowned blue and white of Argentina, as the player himself has hinted that he needs to pay attention to his body given his advanced age.

The 36-year-old Inter Miami player became Argentina’s all-time top goalscorer after winning every international competition, including the World Cup and an Olympic gold medal.

Even though it would be a dream to play in the 2026 World Cup, Messi might be too old to participate; this summer will probably be the last we see of Argentina’s greatest player.

Get more related news at sportviewers.com