Copa America 2024: Lionel Messi misses TWO huge chances in Argentina opener as fans fear ‘father time’ has caught up with soccer great
Lionel Messi suffered a rare off night in front of goal as Argentina made a winning start to their Copa America campaign on Thursday evening.
Second-half goals from Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez secured a 2-0 victory for the holders in Atlanta, where they defeated a spirited Canadian side to get their title defense underway.
Still, it could have been an even more comfortable evening at the office if Messi had not unusually double-eyed his line.
The 36-year-old football great squandered a great opportunity for the first time to double Argentina’s lead in the 64th minute when he took the ball around the Canadian keeper before defender Derek Cornelius somehow denied him with a gaping goal.
And fourteen minutes later he was red-faced again when he raced through on goal and saw a chipped effort trickle past the post.
Lionel Messi had a rare off-night in front of goal as Argentina made a winning start in their Copa America title defense
Fans are not used to Messi falling short in these situations, meaning some were quick to express fears that ‘father time’ could catch up with him before his 37th birthday in four days’ time.
One wrote: ‘Father Time is catching up with Messi. That’s the purpose.’
Another claimed: ‘Messi is unfortunately being cooked as a finisher. Injuries and age have caught up with him. But his game is still the best.”
While people went so far as to say: ‘MLS ruined Messi.’