(Photo : Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – Lionel Messi of Argentina smiles after the team’s victory in the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Final match between Argentina and Colombia at Hard Rock Stadium on July 14, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Argentina legend Lionel Messi has added another record to his storied professional career after his country won a second consecutive Copa América title.
Already widely regarded as the greatest player of all time, Messi further cemented his legacy by becoming the most decorated player in football history with his 45th collective trophy.
The 37-year-old broke a tie with former Barcelona teammate Dani Alves, who has won 44 trophies.
Argentina clinched the 2024 Copa América in a thrilling extra-time victory over Colombia, 1-0, as striker Lautaro Martínez scored the winner in the 112th minute on Sunday, July 14, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
This marks the country’s fourth major honor since 2021, ending a prior trophy drought that had lasted since 1993.
Argentina has since won the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and the 2024 Copa América in their ongoing golden era under manager Lionel Scaloni.
Lionel Messi was subbed off in the Copa America final
Despite adding another hardware to his collection, Messi was not able to finish the championship match.
The Inter Miami star was in tears after being subbed off in the 66th minute of the contest due to a right ankle injury.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was already hobbling for most of the game due to a recurring muscle discomfort, exacerbated by a violent tackle in the first half.
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