Messi says Neymar’s absence from Copa America is a ‘shame’

Lionel Messi expressed his disappointment that Brazil’s Neymar will not participate in this year’s Copa América tournament in the USA due to a knee injury. Messi highlighted Brazil as a strong contender for the tournament, alongside Argentina.

“It’s a shame that Neymar will be absent, but they have a million players,” Messi stated, as quoted by ESPN. “Brazil has always had many footballers, and they are constantly changing. They are very strong and have a competitive team. Brazil is like Argentina – a title contender and undoubtedly eager to win the Copa América.”

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Messi also reflected on Argentina’s chances of defending their title. “We can say we are the best because we are world champions. But that doesn’t make us believe we will win the Copa América just by stepping onto the field. I think there will be strong competition because the teams are quite challenging. Ecuador has a generation of very good young players who know well what they want. We also have Colombia and Uruguay, not to mention Brazil. That’s why I think the forces are balanced, but our team knows what it needs to keep doing to win again,” commented the Inter Miami player.

Argentina is set to open the tournament tonight against Canada in Atlanta, while Brazil will play against Costa Rica on June 25 in Inglewood.