Messi Predicts Bright Future For Valentin Carboni In Argentine Football

Lionel Messi believes that Valentin Carboni has the potential to become Argentina's next football star following their 4-1 victory over Guatemala. Messi scored twice, bringing his international goal tally to 108, as La Albiceleste concluded their Copa America preparations with a strong performance in Maryland.

Argentina had to come from behind after Lisandro Martinez's own-goal gave Guatemala their first-ever goal against Argentina within the opening five minutes. "It cost us the first few minutes," Messi said. "We faced a team that was well positioned at the back. It was an opponent that was difficult to get into, but we were able to find a way around."

Argentina took the lead before half-time when Carboni was fouled inside the area by Nicolas Samayoa, allowing Lautaro Martinez to score his first goal of the evening. Carboni has been impressive in Serie A with Monza this season, scoring two goals and providing four assists, which earned him his first senior call-up from Lionel Scaloni in March.

The 19-year-old started his first game for Argentina in the win over Guatemala, and Messi is optimistic about his future on the international stage. "He has a present and a great future; we have to take advantage of it," Messi said. "I had already seen him in the U-20 team, but now he has changed, he has improved a lot. The kid is very good, more educated and with great quality."

La Albiceleste will begin their Copa America campaign on June 21 against Canada in Atlanta, aiming to secure a record 16th triumph at the competition. "We are going to give our best," Messi stated. "We continue to want to win more things. It's not easy; the games are hard, locked, but we will seek to achieve more and more," he added.