Lionel Messi and Argentina have finally lifted together a highly desired trophy. After coming up short in Brazil 2019, La Albiceleste were crowned in Copa America 2021 in what has been a much-needed continental success to heal the wounds from recent years.
Messi, who turned 34 on June 24th, played in probably one of his last Copa America tournaments as he is getting to the final stages of his career. Still, he has just wrapped up an oustanding campaign in which he shone to help Argentina succeeding.
Messi and Argentina were really close to glory in the last few years, but they have suffered painful defeats when the trophy seemed closer than ever. Copa America 2021 has provided a great satisfaction to the No. 10 and his country.
Lionel Messi achieved a long-awaited title in Copa America 2021
Lionel Messi won the Copa America once so far, being the team's recent success in the 2021 edition his only trophy with the senior national team. Not long ago, he was very close to lifting the trophy, though. Argentina reached the grand final in two straight editions in 2015 and 2016, falling both times against Chile on penalties.
The latter one was especially hurtful for Messi, as he missed his penalty shot in the game played at MetLife Stadium. Despite he almost quit to the national team after that night, the six-time Ballon d'Or winner returned and tried to go for the title in Brazil 2019.
Once again, La Albiceleste came up short as the hosts beat them in the semi-finals and had to settle with a third-place finish instead. Two years later, Messi has finally got his hands on a major trophy with Argentina in what will be a memorable title for the soccer world.
