Lionel Messi is Back With a Smile as Argentina Win Record 16th Copa America Title | WATCH – News18
Argentina’s Lionel Messi lifts the Copa America trophy (AP)
Lionel Messi was a happy man as Argentina won a record 16th Copa America title by beating Colombia 1-0 thanks to an extra-time goal from Lautaro Martinez.
Lionel Messi’s enthusiastic celebration following Argentina’s record 16th Copa America triumph has gone viral on social media. Argentine striker Lautaro Martinez scored the solitary goal of the Copa America 2024 final against Colombia to guide his side to a famous victory. Messi could not fully feature in the summit clash and went off the field having endured an apparent ankle injury in the second half. The Argentine legend broke down in tears after coming off the pitch. The mood, however, changed after the conclusion of extra time. Messi was spotted vigourously celebrating Argentina’s victory throwing his hands in the air. Social media users also reacted to Messi’s exuberant celebration and showered immense praise on the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) talisman.
Copa America Final: Argentina vs Colombia – HIGHLIGHTS
“Messi lifts up the trophy once again! Congratulations,” read one comment.
Describing Lionel Messi’s reaction, one social media user commented, “Iconic.”
“The legend’s joy with the children after the match,” wrote one person.
“See me smiling like a fool,” read another response.
“Spain dominating the Euros and Messi and Argentina lifting the Copa America yet again?! It’s just beautiful. This summer is a dream come true for any Barca fan,” commented a social media user.
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Having suffered an injury, Lionel Messi remained down for a couple of minutes. Messi was assisted by the medical team soon and the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner immediately took his shoe off his right foot. The Inter Miami starwas replaced by Nicolas Gonzalez. The win is seen as a perfect sendoff to Messi who probably played in his final major international tournament at the Copa America 2024.
“It hurts after a tournament that the whole team fought for, it hurts when you compete to win and we felt we deserved more. But we have to thank the people. We wanted to give the victory to a country that deserves it, Colombia deserves everything, and we leave empty-handed, but we will go on,” Colombia defender Sanchez said, as per news agency Reuters.
A win against Colombia also saw Argentina move past Uruguay on the list of the most number of Copa America titles. For Colombia, the defeat in the summit clash marked an end to their record 28-match unbeaten run. The Colombian football team had last endured a loss at the hands of La Albiceleste in February 2022.
