Argentina Vs Brazil, Lionel Messi Vs Neymar, the stage was set for a blockbuster of a night and by god did the two titans deliver. Tackles, drama, controversy, and one single goal to separate the two sides, this was South American football at its best. However, in the end, it was Argentina who finally emerged victorious, defeating the boys in yellow in their own backyard, and ending their own 28-year trophy drought.
More from Everything Barca
- FC Barcelona tracking Belgian Wonderkid
- FC Barcelona vs Betis Player Ratings
- Barça boss Xavi to get contract extension
- FC Barcelona planning swoop for Arsenal midfielder
- Barcelona interested in €30 million wonderkid
Tonight will be one to remember for all Argentines and Argentina fans, the team has finally woken up from their almost three-decade-long slumber and have finally won a trophy again. The only goal was scored by Angel di Maria however, the night belonged to Messi. The 34-year-old finally ends his grueling wait for an international trophy, and on the fifth time of asking, he manages to lift his nation back to the top of the ladder.
What an emotional night for the man who was never destined to win an international trophy. The first defeat against Brazil in 2007, the heartbreak in 2014 against Germany, and then two consecutive final losses against Chile, Messi has been through a lot and it seemed as if it was just not meant to be for him. However, football has always been a game which writes stories and tonight was no different, the best in the world can finally hold the Copa America trophy and Argentina can call themselves the Kings of South America.
The win can finally assure Messi some mental peace as he has been trying for an international trophy for well over a decade now. It almost seemed as if the man would retire without one however, it was written in the stars and now his legacy as the greatest of all time has been cemented in footballing history.
#1 Lionel Messi is the GOAT
Yes, believe it, the man who was never destined to lift an international trophy has finally done it. With this victory, Lionel Messi has confirmed that he is the greatest of all time. Messi is certainly the most talented player to have ever graced the field; however, due to his inability to win a trophy with Argentina, many believed that he would never reach the heights of Pele, Diego Maradona, and Cristiano Ronaldo. The former two are considered as gods of the game while the last one is Messi’s closest rival. Due to the fact that the Portuguese man won two international trophies, he had an edge over his rival in the Messi Vs Ronaldo debates, however, that all changed last night when Messi finally lifted his first international trophy.
#2 Lionel Messi finally has it all
Messi is arguably the most successful player of this century, he has numerous individual accolades, has won all club trophies, and has even won the prestigious Ballon d’Or more times than anyone else. However, the acclaimed international trophies have always managed to evade him somehow. Even when he won the golden ball award in the 2014 World Cup, he managed to just fall short after being defeated in the finals by Germany via a single goal. It was a heartbreaking defeat for the little magician however, he kept his chin up and found himself in yet another international final the next year. After failing to win that as well, he led Argentina to another final the following year and lost that as well. It seemed like it was destiny that he would never win an international trophy. However, this year, all has changed and he has finally broken the curse.
#3 Lionel Messi is Argentina’s Messiah
It was not just an emotional night for Messi, it was an emotional night for every Argentine. It had been almost three decades since Argentina last won any trophy, and with each failed finals, it looked as if it would be at least another decade till they would win anything. Although the country loved Messi, they were clearly being let down by the national team as a whole and a once-dominant side in world football was quickly slipping down the ladder.
Tonight, however, it was Messi’s night to shine, to be the bearer of light for all the desperate Argentine fans. Sure, he might not have won them the World Cup however, he has done something more magical, ended the drought. Tonight’s match has shown the world that there is more to come from this amazing team and this amazing captain. Messi has truly cemented himself as Argentina’s messiah.
#4 Lionel Messi has found his peace
Being the world’s best in anything is not as easy as one would imagine. You have to carry the world’s expectations on your shoulder, you have to win even when the odds are against you, and if you fail to deliver, people will blame you the most. This is exactly what has been happening to Messi for years. The Argentine has always tried his level best to win Argentina an international trophy; the four finals justifies the statement.
Messi has never stopped trying; however, the trophy just never wanted to end up in his possession. This was heartbreaking for Messi and it also impacted his legacy. Even the world’s most talented player is not looked at in the same light if they are unable to attain international glory. However, this time Messi has done it, on his fifth try the mercurial superstar has done it. This will not only confirm his as the GOAT but also give him the inner peace that he badly wanted.
Does the Copa America victory make Messi an undisputed GOAT?