On the morning of June 20th, just one day before Messi competes in the Copa America, Inter Miami brought more good news to the 36-year-old Argentinian star by securing a victory in the MLS against Columbus Crew with a score of 2-1. Inter Miami has achieved two consecutive wins in the MLS recently, despite the absence of Messi and Suarez, who are focused on the Copa America. These victories include a win against Philadelphia Union and now Columbus Crew, both with a score of 2-1. These impressive wins have helped the team, chaired and co-owned by David Beckham, to maintain their lead at the top of the MLS with 41 points after 20 matches.\

Inter Miami has achieved two consecutive wins in the MLS despite the absence of Messi and Suarez.

Other stars like Leonardo Campana, Ian Fray, Julian Gressel, Busquets, and Jordi Alba have helped Inter Miami continue their progress, while waiting for Messi and Suarez to return after the Copa America to aim for the MLS Cup and Leagues Cup. It is highly likely that Messi and Suarez will return to play for Inter Miami starting from the group stage of the Leagues Cup at the end of July.

The favorable developments at Inter Miami in the MLS allow Messi to comfortably focus on enjoying his last Copa America. Before the tournament, he shared his thoughts in an interview with journalist Marcelo Tinelli, which was broadcast on America TV.

“I am enjoying every day of this year’s Copa America and not thinking about what might happen. Although age is just a number, I feel very good at the moment. We will try once more to win the Copa America. Today, I can say that the Argentina team is the best team, but that does not mean it will be easy for us to win. It will be very balanced, all the teams are very strong,” Messi shared.

Messi feels quite comfortable during his time with the Argentina national team.

Regarding the 2026 World Cup, Messi said, “I don’t know what will happen two years from now. I don’t know how I will be physically, whether I can continue to contribute or not… That’s why I don’t know if I will be there or not. Let’s wait and see.

As for Neymar, it’s unfortunate that an injury has prevented him from participating in the Copa America. However, Brazilian football has millions of players. They have a lot to choose from, as they always select a very strong team for the tournament. Even without Neymar, they still have millions of choices. Brazil is a very strong and competitive team,” Messi expressed.

Messi also said, “The atmosphere in the Argentina national team is still as enthusiastic as it was during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. We entertain ourselves with many fun games after each training session. De Paul and Leandro Paredes always play on the same team with me. I will miss them very much when I leave the national team. My children also often comment on the matches, but only after the games when we meet. My three sons have quite different personalities: Thiago is sensitive, but when something is bothering him, he often comes to me to talk. Mateo is quite active, while Ciro is the one whose personality is most like mine.”

Messi’s reflective moment before his last Copa America.

Meanwhile, midfielder De Paul shared, “I am very afraid of the day Messi will leave the national team. It will be a sad day. I often talk to him about this thought of mine during our time together at the Copa America. However, Messi once shared, ‘whenever there is difficulty, call me, I will be there immediately with the national team. For me, the Argentina national team is everything, whenever you need me, I will come.’”