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.
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.
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.