Lionel Messi: Argentina Captain Given Heartwarming Reception in Atlanta Ahead of Copa America

• Lionel Messi and Argentina will commence the defence of their Copa America against Canada in Atlanta on Friday
• The champions arrived at the team hotel for acclimatization and build-up to the match against the Canadians
• Inter Miami superstar Messi was given a heartwarming welcome by the fans who are familiar with him in the MLS

Lionel Messi is gearing up to lead Argentina to the 2024 Copa America to defend the title they won three years ago in Brazil, and the fans in the United States are loving him.

The tournament will be played in the United States, where Messi currently plays his club football with Inter Miami after moving to Major League Soccer last year.

This year's tournament could be his last major outing for the national team, even though there is optimism he could feature in the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be held in the same country.

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La Albiceleste are hoping to become the first side to defend their title since Chile, who won the trophy in 2015 and 2016, beating Argentina in both finals.

Messi given warm reception in Atlanta

The world champions will open the defence of their title against Canada on Friday at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta and arrive at the team hotel days before the match.

As seen in a video shared on X by DSports, fans gathered outside the team hotel and chanted “Messi, Messi” as the players entered the premises.

According to Sportico, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where the match will take place, has an artificial turf, which the 36-year-old had reportedly expressed concern about when he came to MLS.

He missed Miami's visit to the stadium last year due to fitness issues, and his team was beaten 5-2. Unless something drastic happens, he will play on the turf during Copa.

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Messi receives beautiful reception in Montreal

Sports Brief reported that Messi received a beautiful reception in Canada before Inter Miami’s 3-2 league win against CF Montreal, played in Québec.

Some group of fans waited outside the arena and were screaming the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner's name while also holding Miami and Argentina shirts with his name on them.