Despite Lionel Messi taking his talents to MLS nearly a year ago, the soccer superstar still draws crowds wherever he goes.
That was the case in downtown Atlanta on Wednesday when Messi and Argentina’s national squad rolled in for the start of the 2024 Copa AmĂ©rica.
Thousands of Argentina fans lined the streets for hours just to catch a glimpse of the 36-year-old and his teammates leaving for practice one day ahead of their opening match.
Lionel Messi and Argentina arenât even here â theyâre training right now, but the fans arenât leaving.
Packed crowds in Atlanta streets, just waiting for a glimpse of Messi.
A few Canada kits too. pic.twitter.com/CUZoBKbj3R
— Ben Steiner (@BenSteiner00) June 19, 2024
Messi has the streets of Atlanta, Georgia.
đ„ Via @TyCSports
pic.twitter.com/iWGeLh53Y7— FCB Albiceleste (@FCBAlbiceleste) June 15, 2024
Singing songs and waving flags, supporters of Los Albicestes made their presence known in one of the tournament’s main host cities.
We're staying at Argentina's team hotel in downtown Atlanta. Fans have been gathering for hours just to watch Argentina (and Messi) leave for practice @TSN_Sports @TSNSoccer pic.twitter.com/nIi56j57RG
— Matthew Scianitti (@TSNScianitti) June 19, 2024
Messi FC has taken over the downtown streets of Atlanta. Even Atlantaâs own fans donât ever do this for their own teams. đđŠ
pic.twitter.com/2piUHPQgND— FCB Albiceleste (@FCBAlbiceleste) June 20, 2024
With the 2024 Copa América kicking off on Thursday, Messi and Argentina, who are coming off a World Cup win in 2022, look poised to secure another championship.
Their first test will come against Canada in a group-stage match in Atlanta tonight.
While the world’s No. 1 ranked squad is an easy favourite to win the game, Argentinian coach Lionel Scaloni will not be quick to undermine his Canadian opponents, who earlier this year secured their spot as one of six CONCACAF guest nations.
âCanada is a very good team. They have important players and a new coach who has brought in new ideas,” Scaloni said at a press conference earlier this week. “They are a complicated opponent, but we are prepared to play our game.”
Meanwhile, newly appointed Canadian coach Jesse Marsch is well aware of the challenge he and his players are up against.
“We obviously know the quality of their players. We’ve done a lot of preparation individually… We know we’re in for a really tough match, but we’re really excited for the challenge.”
Among the 16 nations in this yearâs draw, Canada, which sits 48th on FIFAâs world ranking, has the 12th-best odds of winning the event.
Argentina has the best odds (36.3%) of repeating their 2021 result.
Kickoff at Mercedes-Benz Stadium is set for 8 pm ET/5 pm PT. Fans in the Great White North can watch the game live on TSN.
Follow Channels and Categories