Slowly, over time, Romeo Teixeira fully integrated into the squad.
His presence completely liberated Messi, unlocking a more fluid offensive rhythm.
Not only that — Romeo almost formed instant chemistry with the Trident.
His passing precision was so immaculate that Aguero nearly dropped to his knees in awe.
To build better cohesion, head coach Carlos scheduled a two-week closed training camp.
Time flew.
In a blink, the Copa América had arrived.
Romeo boarded the plane to the United States with his teammates — the host nation for this special centennial edition of the tournament.
It wasn't just Coach Carlos Alexander who carried the weight of expectation.
The pressure hovered over nearly every Argentina player — except for Romeo.
As one American commentator put it:
"Mentioning Argentina these days is just... painful."
Ever since their devastating loss to Germany in the World Cup final, Argentina had appeared cursed.
They reached the Copa América final last year too — and lost again. In penalties. To Chile.
But now, things felt different.
Romeo had a quiet confidence that Argentina could rewrite its fate.
Not just the Copa América title — but the World Cup.
---
Upon arrival in the U.S., the Argentina squad resumed training.
A focused, tense atmosphere surrounded the players.
Even the usually light-hearted Aguero wore a serious face.
As kickoff approached, Argentina's first opponent was revealed:
Their old nemesis — Chile.
The same team that beat them in the final last year.
A poetic rematch.
And behind the drama? Chile's coach: Jorge Sampaoli.
Once hailed as Argentina's savior, Sampaoli had previously resigned from the Chilean national team to coach Argentina — even paying his own buyout fee.
But the Argentine FA unceremoniously fired him within months.
He became a laughingstock in the football world.
Now, Chile welcomed him back.
That backstory added fuel to the fire.
The pre-match press conference was a media circus.
Sampaoli, bald and intense, arrived sharp and defiant.
A journalist asked:
"Mr. Sampaoli, you hold the record for the fastest dismissal in Argentina's coaching history."
His face darkened.
That wound hadn't healed.
He had once given everything — only to be discarded.
Now the media brought it up again?
The reporter continued:
"Your first match is against Argentina—"
"I'm here for revenge," Sampaoli cut him off.
"Argentina has major problems. Carlos is an amateur. They'll regret ever letting me go."
"I beat them once. I'll do it again."
The reporters pounced, thrilled with the headlines:
📰 "Sampaoli's Revenge Mission Begins!" 📰 "Sampaoli: Argentina Can Only Win if God is Blind!"
The Argentine camp, by contrast, remained quiet.
Coach Carlos kept things calm, answering only a few questions.
The press tried to stir up tension — but Argentina wouldn't bite.
That didn't stop the headlines:
📰 "Argentina Starts 19-Year-Old Midfielder — Are They Dismissing Chile?" 📰 "Carlos Gambling with Inexperience — Or Is There Genius in the Chaos?"
Romeo was thrust into the spotlight.
Carlos received harsh criticism for his selection.
The day of the match — June 7, 8:00 p.m. local time — the Argentina team bus pulled up to Reeves Stadium.
Outside the gates, chaos.
Protesters with signs:
"Carlos OUT!" "You're Ruining Argentina!" "Romeo Teixeira? Who Even Is That?!"
Some signs directly targeted Romeo.
But Aguero wasn't having it. He saw the messages and stepped beside Romeo.
"Ignore them. These guys would boo their own mothers."
Messi nodded in agreement.
"He's right. They booed me once. Don't take it personally."
Romeo simply smiled.
He didn't feel the pressure.
He couldn't afford to.
If a few angry fans could shake him, he didn't deserve to be on this stage.
---
Meanwhile, the international broadcast began.
"Welcome, everyone, to our coverage of Group D's opening clash: Argentina vs. Chile!"
The American commentators were electric.
"This is a rematch of last year's final — and it's personal."
"And look at this — 19-year-old Romeo Teixeira is starting!"
"This is Argentina's most daring selection in years."
Players stepped onto the pitch.
The crowd roared.
The tension was thick.
The stakes?
Everything.
---