Lionel Messi has further cemented his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time by leading Argentina to back-to-back Copa America titles and surpassing Dani Alves as the player with the most trophies in the history of the game. Messi’s 45th career title was secured in the early hours of Monday morning, as Argentina defeated Colombia 1-0 in the 2024 Copa America Final.
The 37-year-old superstar had earlier been forced off with an ankle injury in the 66th minute, but his teammates rallied to secure the victory and Argentina’s second consecutive Copa America crown. Lautaro Martinez came off the bench to score the winning goal in the 112th minute of extra time, capping off a dramatic evening in Rio de Janeiro.
Messi’s latest triumph adds to his impressive collection of 10 La Liga titles, four UEFA Champions Leagues, and seven Ballon d’Or awards. The Argentine forward has shown no signs of slowing down and will be aiming to guide his nation to further success at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The win also ended Colombia’s impressive 28-game unbeaten run, which had started with a defeat to Argentina in February 2022. Messi’s achievement is a testament to his dedication, hard work, and passion for the beautiful game. He continues to inspire fans around the world with his exceptional skills and leadership on the pitch.
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Throughout his illustrious career, Messi has consistently demonstrated his ability to perform on the biggest stage. His vision, creativity, and goal-scoring ability have made him a dominant force in football. His numerous accolades and records are a testament to his greatness, and he continues to write history with each new achievement.
Messi continues to break records and win titles and his legacy continue to swell. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, and his on-field accomplishments are matched only by his off-field philanthropy and humility. Messi’s impact on the sport will be felt for generations to come, and his name will forever be synonymous with excellence and greatness.