During a recent discussion on FOX Soccer NOW, former soccer players Jimmy Conrad, Melissa Ortiz, Wes Morgan, and Juan Pablo Ángel shared their thoughts on how Copa América teams can neutralize Lionel Messi. As the Argentine star aims to secure his third international trophy in a row, teams are eager to find ways to slow him down on the field.
Conrad emphasized the importance of team defense when facing a player of Messi’s caliber. He suggested that teams should focus on limiting Messi’s space and time on the ball, making it difficult for him to create scoring opportunities. Ortiz echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need for constant pressure on Messi to disrupt his rhythm and force him into making mistakes.
Morgan, drawing from his experience as a defender, emphasized the need for physicality when facing Messi. He suggested that teams should not be afraid to be aggressive in their challenges and should look to disrupt Messi’s flow by getting tight to him and not giving him any room to maneuver.
Ángel, a former striker, offered a different perspective, noting that teams should also focus on limiting Messi’s impact off the ball. He suggested that players should be vigilant in tracking Messi’s movements and cutting off passing lanes to prevent him from receiving the ball in dangerous areas.
Overall, the former players agreed that there is no foolproof strategy to completely neutralize Messi, but by working together as a team and executing their defensive duties diligently, Copa América teams can hope to contain the Argentine superstar and give themselves a chance to come out on top in the tournament.
In addition to the strategies discussed by the former players, teams may also consider studying Messi’s tendencies and analyzing his movements on the field to better anticipate his actions. By preparing thoroughly and executing their game plan effectively, teams can increase their chances of limiting Messi’s impact and achieving success in the Copa América tournament.