New Delhi: Lionel Messi has done it again to win consecutive COPA America titles and become the most successful footballer with 45 trophies. The 37-year-old Argentine who started his trophy list back in 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup has won it all and surpassed fellow Brazilian legend and former Barcelona player Dani Alves. Interestingly, Argentina repeated the feat set by Spain more than than a decade ago.
Messi lifts up the trophy once again !!! 🇦🇷❤️ pic.twitter.com/76unxFQ0TD
— Messi Media (@LeoMessiMedia) July 15, 2024
The game marred by a ton of confusion and chaos in Miami saw a delayed start. Subsequently, a cagey game with many tactical fouls and rough tackles followed. Eventually, the first causality of the night emerged in the form of Lionel Messi who limped off to the dugout in the 66th minute.
El abrazo entre Messi y Scaloni, qué hermoso todo.
— Messismo (@Messismo10) July 15, 2024
However, the rest of Argentina under the leadership of Di Maria played on to give Leo, Angel and Otamendi; the old bandwagons of the national team a parting gift. In the end, the top scorer of the COPA America 2024, Lautaro Martinez got the golden opportunity in between the Colombian defence.
“I dreamt it…” Angel di Maria bids his farewell to the national team
“I dreamt it, that’s why I said it was the last Copa America and it ended here…” the 36-year-old Angel di Maria who was giving it his all and playing the last international match remarked after the tournament. Di Maria who was running on his last legs had earlier announced in November that he is going to retire from the game.
Ángel Di María has played his final game for Argentina.
Legend 🇦🇷🩵 pic.twitter.com/nlrMBj34hA
— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 15, 2024
Di Maria as expected was drafted in the starting lineup and played the full 90 minutes. Scaloni subbed him out in the end at the extra-time to ensure that the Argentine gets his farewell from his teammates properly.
🚨🇦🇷 Ángel Di Maria retires from international football with one more Copa América.
“It was my dream to retire from national team like this, Argentina is my love and my country. Thank you”.
↪️🦅 Di Maria will play one more season at Benfica, but leaving the national team. pic.twitter.com/IgXfNNqHIa
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 15, 2024
Naturally, this game was instrumental not only in terms of Leo’s probable last major finals but also as the farewell match for Di Maria. In the end it turned out to be the perfect send off for the Angel who has truly has been an “Angel” for the La Albiceleste all these years.
