"We know these are our last battles, and we have to cherish and enjoy the fact that we can be in a final together again." Leo Messi reminded everyone of this after defeating Canada. For Ángel Di María, Nicolás Otamendi, and himself, Sunday's match won't just be another final; it will be their last game in a Copa America. Each of their farewells comes with its own nuances:

Di María: No Turning Back

Despite requests from teammates, the coach, and fans, Ángel Di María has decided to leave the Albiceleste after the final. That's why, in the pre-match pep talk before the semifinals, Messi asked his teammates to beat Canada so they could give Di María the chance to say goodbye with a title.

- International Appearances: 144 (31 goals)

- Copa America Participations: 6 (2011, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2021, and 2024). 27 matches, 5 goals.

- Copa America Titles: 1 (2021)

Di María in Copa America 2024

- 4 matches (2 as a starter), 240 minutes.

- Scaloni has managed Di María’s playing time, starting him only against Canada, in the opening match, and the semifinal.

Notable Fact:

- Di María is a specialist in finals, having scored in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the 2021 Copa America, the Finalissima, and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Quote in the Copa:

- “I am grateful for this generation that came along, thanks to which I was able to win everything I have won.”

Nicolás Otamendi: Another Tango in Paris

At 36, "the General" not only hasn't announced his departure from the national team, but he has also signed up for the Olympic adventure. He will be one of four World Cup champions (alongside Gerónimo Rulli, Thiago Almada, and Julián Álvarez) joining Javier Mascherano’s team in Paris.

- International Appearances: 116 (6 goals)

- Copa America Participations: 5 (2015, 2016, 2019, 2021, and 2024), 26 matches (1 goal).

- Copa America Titles: 1 (2021)

Otamendi in Copa America 2024:

- 4 matches (1 as a starter), 141 minutes.

- The defender, who played every match in Qatar 2022, has been relegated to the bench, displaced by Lisandro Martínez and Cristian Romero. He only started against Chile when Scaloni fielded the B team, with the quarter-final spot already secured.

Notable Fact:

- He requested to take the fifth penalty against Ecuador in the quarter-finals.

Quote in Copa America 2024:

- “I always go in with a positive mindset. Taking the fifth penalty is something beautiful; it was decisive and helped us continue advancing.”

Messi: The Future Beyond the Copa America

It seems certain that the Copa America final will not be Messi's last match in the Albiceleste jersey. Throughout the tournament, Messi has hinted that he isn't considering retirement yet, opting to take it match by match as long as his body allows.

- International Appearances: 186 (109 goals)

- Copa America Participations: 7 (2007, 2011, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2021, and 2024). 38 matches (14 goals).

Messi in Copa America 2024:

- 4 matches (all as a starter), 360 minutes.

- A right adductor injury caused him to miss the match against Peru. He didn't seem to be at 100% against Ecuador, but he regained his form against Canada.

Notable Fact:

- In the opening match against Canada, he set the record for the most matches played, currently at 38. Additionally, along with Zizinho, he is the only player to have scored in six Copas and has won the most matches (24).

Quote in Copa America 2024:

- “I will try to continue. I try to live and enjoy each day without thinking about what comes next.”