Xtra Time Web Desk: As soon as the referee blew the final whistle in the Copa America 2021 Final at the Maracana Stadium, cameras showed a tearful Argentina captain Lionel Messi. It was the tears of joy, a moment of fulfillment of winning major silverware for his country. It was a night to remember for the talisman as he ended an international title drought. The 34 year old Messi was adjudged the Man of the Tournament for leading the Albiceleste in winning a big final after 28 years. Messi scored four goals (two were from free kicks) and assisted five as he had a hand in 9 out of 12 goals Argentina scored in the tournament.
The Argentina captain has endured four failures in major tournament finals – three at the Copa America (2007, 2015, 2016) and one at the FIFA World Cup (2014). Following his third Copa final defeat in 2016, Messi announced his retirement from international football. He then reversed the decision a few months later.
By winning the Copa America 2021 title, Lionel Messi achieved the milestone of playing the most number of games in the history of Copa America. Across six different editions of the Copa America, Lionel Messi has played 34 games. He joins Chile’s Sergio Livingstone (34) who has played the most games by any player in Copa America history. Earlier in the tournament he went past Javier Mascherano (147 games) to become the most capped player for his country .
The Barcelona legend has 10 La Liga titles, 4 UEFA Champions League medals and 6 Ballon d’OR awards.