Leo Messi's Fourth International Trophy Might Be His Last

Lionel Messi, widely considered the ‘GOAT’, won his fourth straight international trophy when his team defeated Colombia 1-0 in the 2024 Copa America Final. His recent triumph added yet another feather to his crown. However, as the celebrations echo through the streets of Buenos Aires, many fans are worried about the severity of his injury in the final match. 

Messi is on a Dream Run

Lionel Messi's international career has been a tale of perseverance and ultimate triumph. Despite his remarkable achievements at the club level with Barcelona FC and PSG, international success eluded him for years. Significant setbacks included the 2014 World Cup final loss and the losses in the Copa America finals in 2007, 2015, and 2016.

Turning the tide in his mid-30s, Lionel Messi has won four international championships for Argentina in just three years. In addition to winning two Copa Americas in 2021 and 2024 and a Finalissima in 2022, he also won the FIFA World Cup in 2022. It was Messi's 45th career prize, moving him beyond Brazil's Dani Alves as the most decorated footballer of all time, setting a new ‘world record’. In his illustrious club career, Messi, including 8 Ballon d’Or trophies, has won 39 titles in total, most of which have been with Barcelona.

2024 Copa was a dead rubber for Messi Fans

Argentina won the Copa America 2024 championship, defeating Colombia 1-0 in the final. Lionel Messi had to be replaced due to an injury, but it was super-sub Lautaro Martinez who came through in extra time to give his team the victory. Despite the setback, Messi displayed resilience and determination, continuing to inspire his teammates from the sidelines as Argentina held on to secure the title.

Messi has already achieved significant international success, including the Copa America 2021 and World Cup 2022. Thus, the 2024 win felt like a sequel rather than a climax, leaving fans longing for the thrill of new milestones. With Messi's career winding down, the anticipation for groundbreaking moments has faded, making the tournament feel like a formality rather than an exhilarating achievement. Still, fans are looking ahead to potential final hurrahs, such as the Finalissima 2025, in the hopes of seeing the iconic footballer provide one last thrilling performance.

Will Messi extend his streak?

As Messi approaches his late 30s, speculation over his retirement from international football has increased. His tremendous successes have set a high standard, and the physical demands of the sport are significant. Fans expect Messi to continue to perform on an international level, but the 2024 Copa America title may be his final match wearing an Argentina shirt.

LM10’s injury is severe and his screams from the bench after his 64th-min substitution raised concerns among the fans. Although the ‘GOAT’ himself has assured his football lovers that he is fine, there might be some roadblocks in the future. Inter Miami, his current club, has already announced a 2-game rest for the World Cup winner but the question is whether that would be enough. 

There is little more to ask from Messi at this age but his fans would really want to see him defend the World Cup. Not to forget that the Finalissima will take place in 2025 where Argentina will face off against the current Euro Cup Champion Spain. 

Messi has already won the Copa title on back-to-back iterations and the football world would love to see him achieve the same feat with Finalissima and Fifa World Cup in the next two years. Will Messi be able to extend his streak or Copa 2024 be his final international trophy?