“The Copa America came very close to the World Cup” – Argentine journalist explains what it meant for Lionel Messi and the country to finally lift the trophy together
Argentine journalist Ariel Senosiain has stated that winning the Copa America last summer was a huge achievement for Lionel Messi and the Argentine people.
Senosiain recently published a book on Messi’s illustrious career entitled “Messi: The Complete Genius.” The book also includes a section devoted to Argentina and Messi’s victory at the Copa America.
Senosiain underlined the importance of the Copa America victory for Lionel Messi’s legacy as a footballer and for the people of the nation. In an interview with UOL Esporte (via PSG Talk), the journalist was quoted as saying:
“Others said that in order to complete himself as a genius, he would have to win something for the national team. It wasn’t the World Cup, but the way, the way, the place and the emotion of the Copa America came very close to a World Cup.”
He added:
“Here in Argentina, people really wanted Messi to win something for the national team because of a collective desire to see him tearfully for a win, not a defeat. Every aspect. This happened with the players too, so much so even that when the game is over, seven men will embrace him.”
Lionel Messi played a vital role in guiding Argentina to their first Copa America title since 1993. The Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) attacker was the joint top scorer of the tournament, along with Colombia’s Luis Diaz with four goals. Messi was also named best player of the tournament after the final.
The Copa America win was Messi’s first international trophy with Argentina. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has come close to winning an international honor several times. Notably, Argentina lost to Germany in the 2014 FIFA World Cup Final.
Lionel Messi leads Argentina at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar
Lionel Messi will captain Argentina at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar later this year. This will most likely be Messi’s last chance to win the World Cup with his national team.
The two-time world champion has been drawn in the group stage together with Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland. La Albiceleste will open their campaign against Saudi Arabia in Lusail on November 22.
FIFA announces that 23.5 million World Cup tickets have been requested during the last drawing period. Besides the final, the following matches were the most popular: Argentina vs. MexicoArgentina vs. Saudi ArabiaEngland vs. USAPoland vs. ArgentinaAll three Argentina group matches 🎟️ https://t.co/A3gJCwl8dc
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It is worth noting that Lionel Messi played a vital role in guiding Argentina to the World Cup. The 34-year-old attacker scored seven goals in the qualifying campaign. This also included a hat-trick against Bolivia last September.
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