It’s been a rollercoaster of a year for Lionel Messi. The Argentine is out-of-contract at Barcelona and currently a free agent, with his future as clear as mud.
There was nothing ambiguous about Saturday night in Rio de Janeiro, however, as the 34-year-old lifted his first trophy as captain of Argentina.
Congratulations to @Argentina on winning Copa America. A major tournament success for Messi after so many near misses and such a long wait. He’s been preposterously good in this tournament and another Balón d’Or is a given. The undisputed 🐐 world football.
— Gary Lineker 💙 (@GaryLineker) July 11, 2021
The decisive goal came in the 22nd minute; Rodrigo de Paul, close to joining Atletico Madrid according to the rumour mill, threaded through an excellent ball to find ex-Real Madrid man Angel di Maria, who finished coolly past Ederson.
Messi, a free-agent following the expiration of his contract with Barcelona, squandered a gilt-edged chance to make it 2-0 late on, but he won’t mind. He’s landed his holy grail.
¡EL MOMENTO TAN ESPERADO! Pitazo final y así lo gritó Lionel Messi 🔟🇦🇷🤩
🇦🇷 Argentina 🆚 Brasil 🇧🇷#VibraElContinente #VibraOContinente pic.twitter.com/BacbLCghFU
— Copa América (@CopaAmerica) July 11, 2021
Messi played 100% of Argentina’s minutes throughout the Copa America, winning player-of-the-tournament. He scored four goals and contributed five assists in seven appearances, directly participating in 60% of their goals.
The moment the final whistle went was special, and underlined what it meant to the Argentine; it could be considered the crowning moment of an absolutely spectacular career.
Congratulations on your achievement in football & mostly on your recent victory in COPA AMERICA. I am looking forward to see you lifting up World Cup before you hang your boot. You’re football legend who deserve emulation by the young footballers. No Messi no football just like no Jesus Christ no salvation. LIONEL MESSI, I Love you both on & off pitch. I need your boot & Jessy, I love to play your football style. Can you give me one? Best of luck to you in your lifelihood. Thank you.
NO MESSI, NO FOOTBALL! LOVE U 4EVER! THANKS!