Lionel Messi has finally ended his long for international glory with the La Albiceleste of Argentina after a hard-earned win over Brasil in the 2021 edition.
While many of you were still deep in sleep, Messi and Argentina defeated their biggest rivals 1-0 to lift the elusive crown for the first time since 1993.
A delightful first half chip from Paris St-Germain star, Angel Di Maria proved to be the decisive winner as the Argentines held off a spirited display from the Samba Boys to lift the title.
Messi didn’t score on the night, but the clubless man had a tournament to remember and it wasn’t a surprise to see him also take home mostt of the awards as the star of the 2021 edition.
The 34-year-old finished as top scorer with four goals, top playmaker after he assisted a further five, won five man of the match awards and finished as the tournament best player to help his nation end a 28-year wait for glory
He was involved in 9 of 12 goals scored by his country in seven matches, and on their sixth time of trying and asking, Messi and Argentina finally celebrate a victory and deservedly so.
Speaking after the win, the sixth-time Ballon d’Or winner was clearly in his feelings but still managed to articulate his emotions perfectly.
I needed to get the thorn out of being able to achieve something with the national team, I had been very close for many years
Messi told reporters.
“I knew that at some point it was going to go right, it was going to happen and I think there is no better moment than this.
“I feel that God was saving this moment for me, against Brazil in the final and in their country.”
After finishing as runner-up in the Copa three times; 2007, 2015 and 2016, as well as runner-up at the 2014 World Cup, you can understand why Messi can’t contain himself at the moment.
We still cannot believe that we are champions and what we have achieved, but I think it will be a match that will remain in history, not only because we are champions of South America but also because we beat them Brazil in their country.
He added.
After that performance and win, is the 7th Ballon d’Or sealed and delivered for the former Barcelona star?
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