What the Copa Final result means for Lionel Messi’s legacy
![Argentina's Lionel Messi (Photo by juan Ignacio RONCORONI / POOL / AFP) (Photo by JUAN IGNACIO RONCORONI/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) Argentina's Lionel Messi (Photo by juan Ignacio RONCORONI / POOL / AFP) (Photo by JUAN IGNACIO RONCORONI/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/0b71915a836f342aa4f71eade37bbd9f6a8dde2762d41b443f1bf379bd5bf6ab.jpg)
#4 Loss: The Copa America might never end up in his arms
While Messi still has a chance of lifting the world cup next year, it is highly unlikely that the player will participate in another Copa America. This year’s finals could be his last chance of winning the prestigious continental trophy. Copa America has a rich history behind it and Argentina were always strong favorites in the competition. The Blue and Whites have won the competition 14 times, only once less than Uruguay.
Thus, it’s not just about Messi holding the trophy, it is also about Argentina restoring their dominance in American football. After two heartbreaking finals for Messi, it is the trophy he will be wanting to win the most. His last time in the finals resulted in Argentina losing out in the finals. That was the first time ever that Messi missed in a penalty shootout. Winning it this year will give him the satisfaction of letting go of the past.