It is easy to forget that Argentina's current streak of achievements originates from continuous disappointment in both Copa America and the World Cup. But everything has turned around rapidly since Argentina won the 2021 Copa America championship, 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 for Messi to lead Albiceleste to the 2022 World Cup title. El Pulga steadily entered the temple of legends and compared himself to another symbol of Argentina, Diego Maradona. Now, after winning the Copa America 2024, they have won 3 consecutive major tournament titles, an unbelievable prospect before 2021.
"This team keep surprising people. Argentina overcame all difficulties in the match with a very strong and difficult opponent. We also had a bad first half. We improved in the second half and we deserved to win," said coach Lionel Scaloni after Argentina beat Colombia in the 2024 Copa America final.
This final also further engraved the image of Messi, Angel Di Maria and Nicolas Otamendi in the history of Argentine football. Especially Di Maria, who will retire from her international career right after the tournament in the US.
The 2024 Copa America championship also shows that Argentina's next generation is ready to continue the success. Scaloni emphasized this point of view throughout the tournament and Lautaro Martinez played the role of 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 "hammer" fell to the ground with an ankle injury. As he approached the technical area, Messi's tears fell with pain on his face.
However, Argentina did not lose their spirit because of that, they were even more determined when seeing the captain's big ankles swollen. Right after scoring, Lautaro Martinez ran towards Messi and hugged him.
Back when Argentina fans thought Messi was not interested in the national team. They publicly questioned why the 37-year-old striker could not help Argentina conquer the title he had at club level.
At the moment, the affection of Argentine fans for Messi is unpredictable. When Messi practiced and left the pitch, almost everyone bowed their heads in front of their hero.
The moment Argentina lifted the 2024 Copa America championship, Messi's tears turned into smiles. This is considered a beautiful ending for Messi and the golden age of Argentina.
The possibility of El Pulga participating in the 2026 World Cup is still open, but certainly, the Argentine people cannot demand more from their national hero.
"The 2024 Copa America final will definitely be Di Maria's last match for Argentina. But this is not the end of Messi and I am putting him in a big plan for Argentina at the 2026 World Cup" - Scaloni added.
