Lionel Messi's illustrious career continues to captivate the world, and with his latest triumph in the Copa America, he has now amassed an incredible total of 45 titles. This achievement sets him apart from all other players, further solidifying his legacy in football history. Following Argentina's victory, the media celebrated the 37-year-old star, with calls for a statue to be erected in his honor in Buenos Aires. Teammate Ángel Di María remarked that this moment felt preordained, emphasizing the significance of their journey.
Messi's record extends the gap between him and second place, occupied by former Barcelona teammate Dani Alves, who has 43 titles. The emotional weight of the victory was palpable, especially as Messi suffered a knee injury in the 66th minute during the final against Colombia. Overcome with emotion, he was replaced and watched from the sidelines as Lautaro Martinez scored the winning goal in the 112th minute, leaving Messi in tears of joy and relief by the end of the match.
In terms of title distribution, Messi has secured 35 trophies with Barcelona, six with the Argentine national team, and three with Paris Saint-Germain. His most recent achievement came after leading Inter Miami, a club founded in 2018, to victory in the League Cup, adding another layer to his remarkable legacy. The praise for Messi has been widespread in Argentina, with headlines declaring "Tears of a champion" and emphasizing the collective effort of the team alongside his individual brilliance.
As Messi contemplates his future, including the possibility of participating in the 2026 World Cup, uncertainty looms. In contrast, Di María has already confirmed that the recent Copa America will mark his retirement from international football. Reflecting on his journey, Di María expressed gratitude for the memories and achievements, stating, "It’s a dream to retire in this way." He acknowledged that while Messi has often been the one to save the team in the past, this victory was a tribute to him, leaving an indelible mark on both their careers.
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