Messi Lauded For His Dedication To Argentina In Historic Copa America Win

Lionel Scaloni praised Lionel Messi's dedication to Argentina despite his forced withdrawal from their Copa America victory over Colombia. Messi, substituted for the first time in the tournament since 2007, struggled with an ankle injury sustained in the first half. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner left the field in tears in the 66th minute, possibly marking his final appearance for La Albiceleste.

Scaloni highlighted Messi's desire to remain on the pitch at Hard Rock Stadium, urging his Argentina teammates to note his commitment. "Leo is the greatest player in history. He never wants to leave the pitch. He has a swollen ankle and he wants to keep on playing," Scaloni told reporters. "I prefer those players and his teammates see that, that he is 30-something-years-old and he's there and he wants to contribute."

Scaloni continued, "He wants to play not because he is egotistical or selfish. He wants to continue playing because he doesn't want to leave his teammates. He doesn't want to leave them on the pitch even when he's in that condition." Scaloni added that Messi feels uneasy leaving the field and was born to be on it.

Despite Messi's early exit, Lautaro Martinez's fifth goal of the tournament secured La Albiceleste a record 16th Copa crown. This triumph marked Messi's third major tournament win in three years, following Argentina's victories in the 2021 Copa America and 2022 World Cup.

Messi became Argentina's all-time leading goal scorer and the first player to participate in five Copa finals (2007, 2015, 2016, 2021, and 2024), surpassing Javier Mascherano's previous record. However, this could be Messi’s last appearance as he has hinted at international retirement several times recently.

Both Angel Di Maria and Nicolas Otamendi have retired from international football, although Otamendi will still represent Argentina at the Paris Olympics. Midfielder Rodrigo De Paul praised their contributions to the national team and considered their Copa America success a fitting end for their international careers.

A Fitting Farewell

"I know Leo (Messi), I know how he thinks. He always wants to be there, but the fact that he's part of this team is the best thing for us," De Paul told TyC Sports. "With Fideo (Di Maria), I'm sad to see him go, but I'm also happy because he's one of the few that can say goodbye in this way as a World Cup and Copa champion."

The emotional moment when Messi left the field was captured by CONMEBOL Copa America’s official Twitter account: "Son lágrimas de líder," read their tweet alongside a video of Messi’s departure.

Son lágrimas de líder pic.twitter.com/5XUSSYUVXg

— CONMEBOL Copa América (@CopaAmerica) July 15, 2024

Messi’s potential retirement leaves fans wondering about Argentina’s future without their iconic leader. His legacy remains unmatched with numerous records and unforgettable moments on the international stage.