With Argentina’s Copa America victory, Lionel Messi can now finally breathe. He just got his hands on his first international trophy with Argentina after falling short in four previous major finals.
Argentina defeated Brazil 1-0 in the Copa America final to lift the trophy for the first time since 1993. It put an end to series of heartbreaks for the nation and Lionel Messi as well.
Messi, who holds the record for most appearances for the national team, had been brilliant throughout the previous tournaments but was just in need of a team to compliment his efforts, and that team was finally on show this year.
Not entirely star-studded as with the Argentina teams of old, in midfield, the Albiceleste have the brilliant Rodrigo de Paul.
Atletico Madrid sealed a deal for his services for €35m from Udinese and for a player of such potential, he would no doubt be a very good bargain. His partnership with Leandro Peredes in midfield gives Argentina the stamina they need.
Lautaro Martinez is a huge threat upfront with his pace and penchant for high pressing. He combines well with the creativity of Angel di Maria.
The shot-stopping brilliance of Emiliano Martinez in goal is the icing on the cake. He was integral in the penalty shoot out against Colombia.
In what is his full breakout season having not previously had the chance at Arsenal, he has proved he’s not an easy keeper to get pass. He showed it in his first season with Aston Villa were he kept 15 clean sheets in the league last season.
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Messi on the other hand has been brilliant as always. He finished the competition by taking home not only the trophy but the top scorer and best player award.
Fans and pundits are already predicting a seventh Ballon d’Or for Messi and indeed he’s in contention for football’s most coveted individual prize given the form he’s been in for club and country.
Argentina won the Copa America as a team even though Messi will take the lime light. The Copa America win is a huge achievement for this Argentina team and plaudits must go to them.
Despite the obvious brilliance of Messi, they really played well as a group throughout the tournament and are worthy champions.
They have managed to restore Argentina’s glory in South America and by so doing, also equaling Brazil’s trophy collection in major tournaments.
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