The international break continues and Copa America delivers some big moments once again. This time we saw Argentina and Barcelona legend Lionel Messi puts Argentina in the Copa America final. Some time before no football fan would have expected these days to come. Lionel Messi used to be heavily criticized for not winning an international trophy with Argentina team. Many football experts and pundits labelled him as “just another player” for Argentina. Footballs fans believed Messi will never reach the same level as his idol and football legend Diego Maradona. Lionel Messi was already under immense pressure after he lost back to back Copa America with Argentina. He also missed a penalty which made him the laughing stock all over social media. Messi also announced his retirement from Argentina team indefinitely after this major setback. It was not a very good time for Messi and Argentina fans.
Football fans all over the world felt bad for him as well and the question was, can Messi win an international trophy with Argentina. Fast forward some time later to the 2018 world cup in Russia. Argentina was struggling to qualify for the world cup and fans were ready for another disappointment. Lionel Messi helped the team to qualify for the world cup with his heroic performances. The 2018 world cup group stage campaign was also a tough one for Argentina but Messi again helped the team reach the knockout stage. His goal against Nigeria was regarded as one of the best goals in the tournament. Argentina faced France in the round of 16 of the world cup and Argentina gave their best performance of the world cup so far. They almost beating the best team of the tournament who won the tournament that year.
Another trophy upcoming as Messi puts Argentina to another final
After back to back setbacks in international tournaments it was a tough time for Messi and Argentina team. Now enters Lionel Scaloni who promised Messi to bring a trophy. Scaloni gave Messi a team full of warriors with Emi Martinez between the sticks. This Argentina team then went on an unbeaten streak with some of the best football seen in recent years. Argentina team become a home for Messi and now it was time to prove all the allegations wrong in the next Copa America. As expected Argentina had a great run and won the tournament thanks to a goal from Di Maria in the final against Brazil. Argentina and Messi win their first international trophy and it was a proud moment all over Argentina. However this team was not stopping there and they proved everyone wrong after winning the 2022 world cup in Qatar. Messi won the best player.
Now it’s time to defend their Copa America title and they are only one match behind. Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez scored against Canada to take Argentina to the Copa America finals. Argentina will face either Colombia or Uruguay who will play each other in the semi-finals. It will also be Angel Di Maria’s last game for Argentina as he announced his retirement from the team. Messi who is also criticized for leaving to Inter Miami earlier for an “easy life” can play his last game. It is still not confirmed if Messi will retire or not after this tournament. However the Barcelona legend has already completed his trophy cabinet and will leave as a legend in case he retires.
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