David Villa Snubs Lionel Messi for Copa America Golden Boot As Argentina Captain Rings Warning Bells After ‘Disappointing’ Canada Clash

While the 2024 Euro is taking most of the limelight, Copa America has its own charm. A relatively underrated Canadian defense managed to keep Lionel Messi silent in the tournament’s opening game, much to the surprise of Messi, who called for some action to be taken by the team. Subsequently, his performance has resulted in a few discussions as well as predictions regarding the combined edition. This time it’s none other than his former Barcelona teammate, David Villa, who feels that Messi will not win the Golden Boot in the USA.

Speaking to Goal, David Villa chose another Argentine star over Lionel Messi to win the highest goalscorer award. He was asked “Who wins the Golden Boot at the Copa America?” The former Spanish icon without any hesitation said, “Julian Alvarez.” This may disappoint a few of the Inter Miami captain’s fans, but Villa who himself won the Golden Boot in the 2008 Euro, and knows a bit or two about the trick of the trade.

However, on a positive note for the fans, Villa further stated, “Yeah, because Messi probably gives more passes than Julian Alvarez,” stating the reason for his claim when asked, why it was “Alvarez over Messi?” The 2010 World Cup winner understands that his former colleague is more focused on playmaking, with the Manchester City striker taking a bigger role in scoring goals.

Meanwhile, it was a slightly odd time for La Pulga in the opponent’s box against the North American side. Even with his eyes closed, Messi tends to find the net, but he somehow spurned a couple of sitters in the match. Hence, even former Premier League star, Shaka Hislop, felt that MLS would have also played a part. However, it was the captain’s balls into the box that helped his teammates, create goals. Leo finished with an assist but expressed his dissatisfaction.

Lionel Messi opens up about the game against Canada

Both of Lionel Messi’s shots hit the target and required good saves from the goalkeeper. However, the captain’s desire to score was evident from his comments. Messi after the game reportedly said, “Of course I’m a little disappointed not to score. I lacked a little calm in the penalty area. You always want to score in the first match, but what matters is the result,” confessing about his lack of composure. In addition, he expects himself and the team to improve before they face Chile. He further said, “Despite the win against Canada, we have to improve before facing Chile.”

However, Argentina’s set of highly-rated youngsters like Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez, and Alexis Mac Allister showed their prowess taking their team to a win despite Messi’s blank. But with stiff competition from Brazilian stars like Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, can Alvarez or Messi finish with a Golden Boot? Let us know in the comments.