01/01/2024 5:20hs.
With the most famous smile in the world, Lionel Messi raised the cup – another cup – to celebrate the arrival of 2024. Another year to enjoy the legend, his goals, his tireless power of transformation, another record… Of a new title with the National Team? And after 24, he ended up greeting the millions of fans through his social networks.
With a brief message of “Happy 2024” and a photo with Antonela, Thiago, Mateo and Ciro, and another in which he only appears hugging Antonela, Lionel shared the beginning of a new year with that family refuge that gives meaning to his life, to his football…
The photos that Leo shared on New Year’s.
As expected, Leo’s post – which was published in the early morning – went exponentially viral. Shortly after appearing on the feed, his Instagram count already registered millions of likes… Thousands and thousands of comments responding to 10 for what is coming, for what happened…
Leo left another year behind to enlarge that giant book that is read better every day… Because, through ups and downs, Leo won a Ballon d’Or, he said goodbye to PSG with another crown, he revolutionized soccer in the United States, he won the first title in the history of Inter Miami, he surpassed his 100th goal with the National Team, broke the barrier of 800 goals in his career and the best thing, of course, left the door open for a year full of promise.
The collector of the 44 titles is preparing for 2024 in which he has many commitments ahead of him and the carrot of eight crowns… With the National Team, the maximum, the Copa América. And we will have to see if the dream of seeing him at the Olympic Games in Paris comes true. With Inter Miami, the MLS, the Leagues Cup, the Concacaf Champions League, the US Open Cup, the Inter-American Cup
Messi’s 2023
The euphoria over the victory of the Argentine National Team in Qatar 2022 was still fresh, immersing the country in a festive atmosphere that was naturally reflected in the members of the Scaloneta. However, for Leo, time to celebrate was scarce.: Christophe Galtier demanded a quick return to the Parc des Princes. Unfortunately, the joy of the Albiceleste did not translate to France, since PSG was eliminated from the French Cup (2-1 against Marseille) and the Champions League (1-0 and 2-0 defeats), being Messi unfairly singled out as the main target of criticism by the ultras.
Leo’s turbulent moment in Paris had a counterbalance with the celebrations of the Scaloneta, with victories over Panama (2-0, in the Monumental) and Curacao (7-0, in the Madre de Ciudades de Santiago del Estero). Throughout much of his career, Messi had enjoyed outstanding performances at Barcelona, but had faced challenges and disappointments with the National Team. On this occasion, the lack of recognition in Paris was contrasted with the joy of playing in his homeland.
Immersed in a tense atmosphere with Nasser Al-Khelaifi, the fans and even the coach himself, Leo made the decision to leave Paris. Contrary to expectations of a return to Barcelona, despite two years of speculation about his return, Messi’s destination was Inter Miami. His close relationship with David Beckham, the desire to experience life in the United States, the good connection with Gerardo Martino and the support of friends like Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, were determining factors that prompted him to undertake this new adventure on the other side of the world. Atlantic.
After two years at PSG, Leo slammed the door. (AP)
Messi’s impact was instantaneous: with 10 goals in his first seven games, led Inter Miami, which was previously the worst team in Major League Soccer, to win the Leagues Cup. However, the team had faced difficulties in the first half of the season, forcing it to avoid mistakes in its quest to make the MLS playoffs. The intensity of the schedule, with matches every three days, not only challenged the team led by Tata Martino, but also physically affected Messi himself.
On the first date of the South American Qualifiers, in the confrontation between Argentina and Ecuador at the Monumental Stadium, Messi requested the substitution at 44′ ST, visibly affected in the back of his right leg. The wear and tear of numerous matches had taken its toll on the 10. Due to a femoral biceps injury, he missed the 3-0 against Bolivia (in La Paz) and seven of the 13 matches in the United States. His absence in Miami had a considerable impact, reflected in the defeat in the US Open Cup final (2-1 against Houston Dynamo) and in the elimination of Inter Miami in the regular phase of the MLS.
Leo, Leagues Cup champion with Inter Miami. (AFP)
“The France Football Ballon d’Or 2023 is… Lionel Messi”, declared David Beckham in Paris. Despite Erling Haaland’s outstanding season at Manchester City, the world once again recognized Leo as the best footballer on the planet, consolidating his position after his achievements in Qatar. With the eighth award in his history, Messi did not return to Miami, but instead left for Argentina to face the last double qualifying date of the year.
The start was not ideal. In La Bombonera, the Argentine National Team suffered a 2-0 defeat against Uruguay, ending the positive streak in the Qualifiers. “We have to accept that they played better,” analyzed the 10. Later, at the Maracaná, the story took a complete turn: lScaloneta won 1-0 in the middle of a World Cup atmosphere and achieved a historic victory in Rio de Janeiro. However, doubts about Scaloni’s continuity and a tear in the right adductor that forced Messi to leave shortly before the end clouded the night.
Definitely, Messi’s 2023 has not been his best year. However, a normal year for Leo is brilliant for other footballers. He established himself in Ligue1 and the Leagues Cup. He had 40 contributions in goals (28 goals and 12 assists) in 45 games played. In addition, he won the Ballon d’Or, with a certain amount of merit in the 2022 World Cup. What awaits Leo in 2024? First, the Copa América in the United States. Then, the complete MLS season and the participation in a new international competition: the Concachampions.
In Paris, Leo won his 8th. Ballon d’Or. (@InterMiamiCF)
Leo numbers in 2023
45 games: 22 in PSG, 14 in Inter Miami and 9 in Selection28 goals: 9 in PSG, 11 in Inter Miami and 8 in Selection12 assists: 6 in PSG, 5 in Inter Miami and 1 in Selection2 titles: League 1 with PSG and Leagues Cup with Inter MiamiBallon d’Or 2023Leo and a great goal from a free kick against Ecuador.
The 8 competitions that Messi could face
With the Argentine National Team
United States Copa América 2024
Paris 2024 Olympic Games (not confirmed)
Concacaf Champions League
Intercontinental Cup (from winning the Concachampions)
2024-01-01 05:20:20
#Happy #Leo #Year #Olé
