Lionel Messi and Emiliano Martinez (Twitter)
Lionel Messi claimed the second international trophy of his career as he comfortably beat Azzurri in the Finalissima, boosting Argentina’s confidence in the World Cup.
Lionel Messi made a stellar performance in Argentina’s 3–0 win against Italy at the CONMEBOL-UEFA Cup of Champions (La Finalissima). The 34-year-old Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) striker claimed the second international trophy of his career by comfortably defeating Azzurri in the final. Messi failed to score a goal in the high-voltage final, but his two assists and magical presence did enough to enthrall fans and his teammates.
Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez recently spoke about the captain of his national team and according to him Messi is “the best in the world.”
“A year ago we were nothing and today we are” [World Cup] Candidates because we have won titles. We will always be candidates because we have the best in the world (in Lionel Messi). We are all lions who fight for him!” Martinez was quoted as saying by TUDN.
In 2021, Argentina won the coveted trophy after 28 years by defeating arch-rivals Brazil 1-0 in the Copa America final. Argentina’s 15th Copa America title also became Messi’s first international trophy.
And some fans have now begun to regard the CONMEBOL-UEFA Cup of Champions (La Finalissima) victory as a victory less than the Copa America victory. But Martinez vehemently opposes the theory as the Aston Villa goalkeeper thinks the La Finalissima victory gives him a little more confidence.
“For us, it was a final, we take it as an official endorsement by UEFA and it gives us a little more confidence. People said we didn’t face a great European team, they won Euro and today We show that we are on everyone’s level,” the 29-year-old explained.
In the final, striker Lautaro Martínez found the back of the net in the 28th minute as Messi named himself as the main architect behind the goal. Angel Di Maria scored two goals in the 46th minute to increase the lead.
In injury time, Paulo Dybala scored the final goal of the match as Messi once again made another superb assist.
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