Argentina Does it Again!

The Argentine continue to assert dominance on the big stage as they have won their 4th international trophy since 2021. What a run it has been for Messi and company since the start of this decade. It was a complete turnaround from what Messi was experiencing in Argentina before 2021 where he could not win anything significant at the international level. Messi now has won 2 Copa Americas, a World Cup, and a Finalissima. It has been a spectacular turnaround for an already illustrious career. But today I want to talk about the rest of the team because though Messi is great, it was truly a team effort.

The final between Argentina and Columbia was a very tightly played match. In the first half, Columbia looked like the much better team and were the aggressors early on but had nothing to show for their efforts as the first half ended 0-0. It was important to put the pressure on Argentina early by scoring one because as the game went on, the match became more of a test of mental toughness, and with players tiring towards the latter stages of the game, it was less about who could run the fastest and it was more about which team can stay focused during crucial situations. Surely enough, Argentina was the team with more experience and it was on full display, especially with how they performed defensively it was their excellent defense that set them up for their game-winning goal in the second half of extra time as Lautaro Martinez kicked one in the waning seconds. Martinez scored 5 goals in the tournament and was awarded the Golden Boot. After a tough World Cup performance, he has turned it around.

This Argentina team will still be a force to be reckoned with even after Messi calls it quits. This was a team that Messi put on his shoulders throughout the World Cup and this Copa America was a terrific example of the team helping him out as he had a very quiet tournament scoring only 1 goal. The final was the epitome of displaying how well-rounded this team is. 62 minutes into the game Messi was seen on the ground in pain as he re-aggravated an ankle injury that he sustained early in the first half he was in clear pain as he was unable to walk properly and was, unfortunately, done for the game. He was hurt that he was unable to help his team and was seen crying on the sideline and it was very tough to watch him look so distraught. His mood quickly changed after the goal and it was great to see him smile and celebrate with his teammates after the game as everyone on the team made sure to celebrate with him and Di Maria, who announced that he would be retiring from the Argentine international team after the Copa Final.

Two people I want to give flowers to his Di Maria and Lionel Scaloni. Di Maria has been through all the ups and downs with Messi and has played a huge role in all the finals they have won as he was the one who scored their lone goal in the 2021 Copa America and it was he who added the 3rd goal to Messi's 2 in the WC final. I don't watch soccer often but every I watch Argentina play he always seems to make a big play and I feel like he should be appreciated and receive all the credit in the world for the success of this team. The second man, Lionel Scaloni, has led this team to nothing but victories and will go down as the manager who has helped turn Messi's international success around and was the final piece to getting this team over the hump.

It was truly an inspiring victory and Argentina deserves to celebrate every bit of it!