Lionel Messi led Argentina struck again on Tuesday Night, as they booked their place in the 2024 Copa America final. This serves to be the defending World Cup champions’ fourth successive major final in the last three years. This signifies their dominance in international football over the last few years.
Manchester City striker, Julian Alvarez opened the scoring, with a pure forward’s finish. He rolled the ball right through the keeper’s legs, following a meticulous pass from midfielder Rodrigo De Paul.
La Albiceleste’s usual protagonist had to have his imprints all over the storyline once again. Messi managed to find the net in fluke fashion as he got a slight touch on a low driven pass from Enzo Fernandes that was headed for goal.
This secured a gritty 2-0 win over Canada, following a lacklustre performance against Ecuador in the Quarter-Final. But the sweet “left foot of Lionel” was another reminder to his group of fans that they need not fear when he is present.
This win builds on what is playing out to be the perfect end to the international careers of Argentine veterans. Angel Di Maria, Nicholas Otamendi and Lionel Messi to name a few, who suffered greatly in the past with the national team. Their booked ticket to the final emphasises the dynasty that is becoming of Argentina, who have all round talent in every position on the pitch.
“I’m living it like I lived it in the last Copa America, in the last World Cup…. these are the last battles and I’m enjoying them to the maximum,” said Messi in his post-match interview with TyC Sports. This shows just how much the last few years have meant for the eight-time Ballon D’or winner, who would die for the badge of his country.
Furthermore, “It’s crazy what this group did, what the Argentine national team has been doing. After this, much more importance will be given to all the finals that I and the old group had to play in,” Messi said following the match at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
It is also his long-term countryman and teammate, Angel Di Maria’s last tournament with the national team. The final on the 15th of July will be his last match for the national team after an amazing career with La Albiceleste.
Di Maria gave his comments on his last dance with Argentina, giving praise to his friend, Messi. “Before going out on the field, Leo said they wanted to reach the final for me, and that fills me with pride. Having that possibility of being able to achieve everything I achieved this last time with all of them is a source of pride for me,” Di Maria said.
Both players and Argentina head coach, Lionel Scaloni also stressed the importance for fans to enjoy these years. “It is easy to grow accustomed to winning,” said coach Scaloni. These fans were ill-fated for many years, losing consecutive finals and slowly the belief in their national team. So, this is a full circle moment for many of the players, leaving their fans with a team to be proud of.
Here’s what fans on X had to say about Argentina’s progression to another final…
@433 posted, “Messi has now led Argentina to 8 finals in his career. Copa América 2007 Olympics 2008 World Cup 2014 Copa América 2015 Copa América 2016 Copa América 2021 World Cup 2022 Copa América 2024”
@WeAreMessi posted. “Argentina reach their third straight final at a major tournament”
@AlbicelesteTalk posted, “Julián Álvarez is the fourth player to score in both the semifinals of the Copa América and the FIFA World Cup, joining Lionel Messi, Romário, and Diego Forlán. @OptaJavier”
As Argentina dawn closer to the end of an era, it is important that the World Champions do not lose focus. There is still one more hurdle, which will be determined in today’s Semi-final matchup. Uruguay takes on Colombia for the last spot in the final.
Argentina can become just the second team of all time to win all the major finals they took part in over a four-year period. They could join the 2008-2012 Spain team, who are the only ones to achieve this feat.
Will they succeed in their pursuit to become a dynasty?
Main image: Sportstar
