Lionel Messi named in Copa America Team of the Tournament alongside Emi Martinez, Christian Romero and Lautaro Martinez
Published 01/08/2024 at 11:42 GMT+1
Argentina captain Lionel Messi was recognized in the Copa America Best 11 after the Inter Miami forward led his nation to their second title in a row. Argentina defeated Columbia 1-0 in the final in Miami in Messi's seventh and final tournament, and he was joined by national teammates Emi Martinez, Christian Romero, Rodrigo De Paul and Lautaro Martinez in the best XI.
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Argentina captain Lionel Messi has been named in the Copa America Team of the Tournament after guiding his country to another title.
Messi lifted the Copa America trophy at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium following Argentina's 1-0 win over Colombia.
The tournament was Messi's seventh for La Albiceleste and his final Copa America, and he was joined in the Best 11 by four Argentinian teammates. Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez was one of them, having conceded just one goal throughout the tournament.
Tottenham defender Cristian Romero, Atletico Madrid midfielder Rodrigo De Paul and Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez joined their captain in the team. Martinez finished as the tournament's top scorer, netting five goals en route to the final, while Romero and De Paul were influential at the other end of the pitch.
Romero's former Spurs team-mate Davinson Sanchez also made the team, after impressing in defence for Colombia, while Celtic full-back Alistair Johnston was the only Canadian player to feature.
Former Everton midfielder James Rodriguez featured in the side having helped guide Colombia to their first Copa final in 23 years, with a goal and six assists across the tournament. Another ex-Premier League winger, former Leeds attacker Raphinha, was the sole Brazilian entry in the team after an underwhelming tournament for the nine-time winners.
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PSG midfielder Manuel Ugarte was recognised for his performances in the tournament, becoming the only Uruguayan player to make the team. Uruguay's tournament was overshadowed by violent scenes marking the end of their 1-0 semi final defeat to Colombia, with Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez climbing into the stands to clash with Colombian supporters.
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Former Sporting Lisbon star Ugarte has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United this summer as a potential long-term replacement for Brazil's Casemiro.
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