It could have been a sad ending for Lionel Messi at Copa America 2024, just like Cristiano Ronaldo left EURO 2024 with his head bowed. Messi could not fight the entire final match between Argentina and Colombia due to injury. He threw his shoes and cried. Not because of the pain from his swollen ankle after a previous misstep. But because Argentina might not be able to defend the championship without him on the field.
It was a match where Messi’s opponents played well, played with determination and certainly wanted to knock Argentina off the throne. But then, Messi’s teammates did his job well, with standing firm against the opponent’s fighting spirit and finishing the created opportunities.
In fact, Messi’s mark in this Copa America was not really outstanding. What people remember most is his penalty kick that hit the crossbar (but his teammates still did a good job afterwards). That is why James Rodriguez was the one who received the Best Player award. It is a pity for James and Colombia that there was no happy ending, but unfortunately many people wanted a happy ending for Messi, and also Angel di Maria – who has been with Messi in every final since the 2008 Olympics.
And finally, Messi won his 45th trophy in his career to become the most successful player in history – surpassing the 44 titles of his former teammate Daniel Alves. This glory also marked the end of a perfect circle of the legendary trio of Barcelona: Messi – Xavi – Andres Iniesta.
Messi has 2 Copa America, 1 World Cup, 2 Spanish players have 2 EURO, 1 World Cup. And what could be more exciting than this summer, Lamine Yamal – the future of Barca, also won EURO 2024 with the Spanish team. And if Messi can wait until June 1, 2025, he will face Yamal – the boy who used to lie in the tub and was bathed by M10 himself, in the Finalissima (Super Cup) match between the 2 European and South American champions.
Messi will return to Inter Miami after a break, but to date his career has included 1 World Cup, 2 Copa America, 4 Champions League, 10 La Liga, 8 Golden Balls, 6 Golden Boots, 838 goals and 374 assists in 1,068 matches.
His path is not over yet but it is getting shorter. And one thing is certain in the minds of many, that he is the GOAT – the greatest player of all time…
