It's easy to forget that Argentina's current streak of success stems from continued disappointment at both the Copa America and the World Cup. But things have turned around dramatically since winning the 2021 Copa America, Argentina's first major title in 28 years. Most importantly, Lionel Messi will not end his international career empty-handed.
Success in Brazil created the motivation to help Messi lead the Albiceleste to the 2022 World Cup title. El Pulga boldly entered the temple of legends and was on par with another Argentine icon, Diego Maradona. Now, after winning the Copa America 2024 , they have won 3 major tournaments in a row, an unbelievable prospect before 2021.
"This team constantly surprises everyone. Argentina overcame all difficulties in the match against a very strong and difficult opponent. We also had a bad first half. We improved in second half and we deserved to win" - coach Lionel Scaloni said after Argentina defeated Colombia in the 2024 Copa America final.
This final also further engraved the images of Messi, Angel Di Maria and Nicolas Otamendi into the history of Argentine football. Especially Di Maria, who will retire from his international career immediately after the tournament in the US.
The 2024 Copa America championship also shows that Argentina's next generation is ready to continue its success. Scaloni emphasized this point throughout the tournament and it was Lautaro Martinez who played the hero in the final.
When the Inter Milan striker scored the decisive goal, Messi was no longer on the field. In the 66th minute, Argentina's "talisman" collapsed to the ground due to an ankle injury. As he approached the technical area, Messi's tears fell with pain clearly visible on his face.
However, Argentina did not lose their spirit, they were even more determined when they saw their captain's swollen ankle. Immediately after scoring, Lautaro Martinez ran towards Messi and hugged him.
Back when Argentina fans thought, Messi didn't care about the national team. They openly wondered why the 37-year-old striker couldn't help Argentina conquer the title the way he did at club level.
Currently, the love of Argentine fans for Messi is immeasurable. When Messi limped off the field, nearly everyone bowed to their hero.
The moment Argentina lifted the Copa America 2024 championship, Messi's tears turned into smiles. This is considered a beautiful ending for Messi and Argentina's golden generation.
The possibility of El Pulga participating in the 2026 World Cup is still open, but certainly, the Argentine people cannot ask for anything more from their national hero.
"The 2024 Copa America final is certainly Di Maria's last match in the Argentina team. But this is not the end of Messi and I am including him in a big plan for Argentina at the 2026 World Cup " - Scaloni added.
