Lionel Messi and Argentina celebrated yet another piece of international silverware this weekend after a late 1-0 win against Colombia in the Copa America final.
The reigning FIFA World Cup holders reclaimed their South American title thanks to an extra-time winner from Lautaro Martinez, with Messi not even on the pitch as the Inter Miami captain picked up a worrying ankle injury.
In a game that was marred by crowd trouble off the pitch that forced kick-off to be delayed, Argentina will be relieved to come away from the tie with the Copa America trophy in tow, in a game that could be Messi’s last for the national team.
And Argentina’s players knew how to make the forward feel special after Martinez’s winning goal.
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Argentina players celebrated with Messi after Martinez’s winner
As per the Athletic, Argentina players rushed towards Messi to celebrate with the Inter Miami star after Martinez’s late winner, with the Inter Milan captain also joining in with the reigning Ballon d’Or holder.
With Messi leaving the pitch in tears, it’s clear that Argentina rallied behind their star forward to win the Copa America for the 37-year-old, with the veteran attacker now bringing his record-breaking title haul to 45.
Indeed, such a sign of unity from the Argentina squad shows just how much Messi still means to the national team despite his age and recent injury record, with the attacker also scoring just one goal at this summer’s Copa America.
And if Messi is to call time on on international career after this latest Copa America triumph, it would be an ideal way to go given all the forward has done for Argentina in the last 20 years.
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Messi retiring now would be the ideal time for all parties
At 37-years-old, Messi is in the final years of his incredible career having won everything possible and doing so as the best player in every team the Argentine has played for.
And after the Copa America win this summer, Messi calling time now on his international career with Argentina would feel like the ideal time given how the veteran forward performed.
Whilst the 2026 World Cup could be possible, Messi’s recent injury record suggests that the attacker might not physically make it that far for Argentina, with Inter Miami now the priority for the former PSG and FC Barcelona superstar.
