Lionel Messi checked off a notable target from his career bucket list last year, as he led the Argentina national team to triumph in the 2021 Copa America. Argentina had battles along the way over the course of the tournament, and in the end, Messi finally managed to hoist an international trophy with La Albiceleste.
Speaking to the Argentine-based outlet TyC Sports, Messi looked back on the Copa America victory, where Argentina ended its lengthy international tournament win drought.
“When you see images and memories come back to you of what that moment was like, and of getting it,” Messi said.
“But then it’s like everything else. That’s it, it’s over, it was achieved as well as when it wasn’t our turn to win it and we had to turn around and continue. This is the same. It is a beautiful memory but it is already there, it is there and it will always be there. Nothing has changed. Afterwards, you have to keep going and new challenges come, new objectives and think about the day-to-day.”
Messi shined over the course of the tournament. From the keen free-kick goal against Chile to the assist to Lautaro Martinez in the semifinals against Colombia, the PSG star sure stepped up to the occasion for Argentina.
For now, Messi will have another opportunity to add to his trophy case this week, as the reigning Copa America winners will face the reigning European Championship holders, Italy, in the upcoming 2022 Finalissima.