What the Copa Final result means for Lionel Messi’s legacy
The Copa America final is almost upon us and who could have asked for a better tie. Argentina against Brazil, an all-time classic, what a treat for football fans all around the world. The world is currently torn into two sides, each side showing their undying support for the nation they support. Yes, Brazil and Argentina are probably the two nations everyone grew up watching. However, this battle is not just a clash of the titans, it is much more than that for one player, his name is Lionel Messi.
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The Argentine has played in international competitions finals four times before, however, he has been unsuccessful in lifting any international trophy with the team. In 2007, Messi played in his first major international tournament. Argentina played against Brazil in the Copa America finals in Venezuela; however, the boys in blue and white ended up being thrashed 3-0. His next finals was the big one, the FIFA World Cup finals in 2014 and although Argentina started off quite well, they ultimately lost 1-0 to Germany.
Messi then went on to lose two more finals in consecutive Copa America finals in the years 2015 and 2016. Both the losses were against a strong Chile side and the matches went to the penalty shootout. After the second final loss against Chile, the now six-time Ballon d’Or winner announced his retirement from international football. He reversed his decision quickly, claiming that he announced his retirement at the heat of the moment and that he loved his country too much to quit.
This will be his fifth international finals and it could also be his last, thus it is only fitting that it is against the country that denied him his trophy the first time. A win would secure Messi’s legacy in the hearts of the Argentines and in the streets of the country. However, a loss would mean that Messi will forever remain in the shadows of Diego Maradona. Here are five consequences the Copa America finals will have on Messi’s legacy in football.