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Dimapur, July 11 (EMN): Lionel Messi is perhaps the greatest football player of all time and after he led Argentina to the Copa America 2021 title on Saturday, the six-time Ballon d'Or winner must be considered the greatest of all time, although Cristiano Ronaldo might have something to say about that.
Angel Di Maria’s first-half goal was enough to end Argentina’s 28-year wait for a trophy and Messi finally got his hands on a trophy that had eluded him for years.
Messi was very emotional after the final whistle and it was clear that the trophy meant a lot to the FC Barcelona captain. He had led La Albiceleste to the grand finals of the Copa America on two occassions, in 2015 and 2016, but had failed to win the trophy. However, 2021 turned out to be the magical year that Messi would finally manage to win the elusive trophy for the national team.
Messi spoke with ESPN Argentina after the game and he had a lot of things to say.
The following quotes have been translated using DeepL Translator.
"I needed to get rid of the thorn and achieve something with the national team. I knew that at some point it was going to happen," said Leo as he left the locker room in the early hours of the morning.
"The truth is that this is crazy".
"Many times I had to leave with sadness, but I knew it was going to happen. There was no better moment than this, at the Maracana".
"This group really deserved it. I had a lot of confidence in this group that was growing strong, a group of very good people who always go forward, who never complained about anything. We were locked up for many days without seeing our family. Fortunately it worked out and we were able to become champions". (Spent 40-50 days in a quarantine bubble)
"The joy is immense. I had been dragging a discomfort in the hamstring, we were all with just enough left at the end and luckily everything went well".
"I dreamed about this many times. I thought about my family, my wife, my children, my old man, my family. They suffered a lot, maybe more than me".
"I want to thank the people for the recognition. I would also like to thank the people of Rosario because the Flag Monument was very moving". (Lighted up Obelisco)
"It's very nice that Argentina can enjoy and that we can bring this much-desired Cup over there. We are still not fully aware of what we achieved."
"I think it will be a match that will go down in history because not only did we win the Copa América, but it was also in Brazil".
"We have to take advantage of the momentum, it is easier when the results go with us".
"After the last Cup I told the boys that they were the future of the National Team and I was not wrong".
"We have been working together for a long time, it is a spectacular group of guys. I'm very happy to be part of this, I've really enjoyed these 45 days".
"I told Fideo (Di María) that he was going to get his revenge. The many players who accompanied us, who reached the final of the World Cup and the Copa America, also did a lot for this national team. Today it was our turn. I know they will be very happy for us.
"I needed to get rid of the thorn and achieve something with the national team. I knew that at some point it was going to happen".
"I am grateful to God for giving me this moment".
"It's been three years since Scaloni's process started and it has always been growing. He always wanted the best for the national team. He knew how to put together a spectacular group, a winning group and deserves recognition."