After leading Argentina to victory in Wednesday night’s Finalissima against Italy, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo shared the same haul of international trophies.
After leading Argentina to victory in Finalissima on Wednesday night, Lionel Messi equalled Cristiano Cristiano Ronaldo’s total of major international honours.
The final showpiece match, which pits South America’s champions against Europe, took place at Wembley. Argentina came out on top with 3-0 victory over Italy. Messi scored a pair of assists in the win. Paulo Dybala, Angel di Maria, Lautaro Martinez and Angel di Maria all found the net for Lionel Scaloni.
Wednesday night’s match is only the third time the Copa America winners and European champions have met. Argentina won their last meeting in 1993, when they defeated Denmark in a penalty shootout.
It means that Messi will now be leading Argentina at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. This is a match for Ronaldo’s international accolades. Ronaldo was instrumental in ending Argentina’s 18-year trophy drought by winning Copa America glory last July.
The long-time Portuguese rival of the 34-year-old has won both the Euros as well as the Nations League for Portugal, but he is not able to add a World title after Portugal was eliminated from the World Cup.
Messi is finally enjoying international success, but it has been a tough 12 months for the Argentina icon. His domestic struggles in Paris have coincided as he has attempted to deceive since leaving Barcelona, winning the Copa America and Finalissima.
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The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner scored just 11 goals during his debut season at Paris Saint-Germain. He has been criticized by the French media as well as the fans for his ineffective impact at Parc des Princes.
Messi, however, spoke before Wednesday’s match with Argentina. TyC SportsIt was difficult to adjust to life outside of Barcelona. “a shock”. Messi said: “It was really difficult to understand what happened, I wasn’t expecting to leave Barcelona – it was a shock”.
“I had everything in Barcelona. I left when I was very young. What’s more: I lived more in Barcelona than in Argentina. The truth is that I had no plans to change anything. Luckily, the children’s adaptation was spectacular. For Antonella and me it was more difficult.”
He admitted that the shock at leaving Barcelona had affected him greatly, but he vowed to be back to his best next season. He also said: “Next season will be way better for me with Paris Saint-Germain, I’m sure. It was not easy after that crazy summer.”
