Messi's 5 Greatest Argentina moments
Lionel Messi played his 1000th game of his professional career when the Argentine side knocked out Australia. The game also coincided with Messi's 100th game as Argentina captain. Messi's international career hasn't been quite as fruitful as his club career though.[fixture id=9866 btn label="Book Now"]
The World Cup final is this weekend, and Messi is bowing out of international football after it. With this, we're taking a look at the 5 greatest moments Messi has had in an Argentina shirt.
5. Becoming Argentina's youngest World Cup Captain
Messi first wore the captain's armband for Argentina way back in South Africa during the final World Cup 2010 group game. Javier Mascherano was injured for the game against Greece, which then saw Lionel Messi be given the armband. The memorable moment wasn't capped with a goal or an assist, but the side won 2-0 and Messi walked home as man of the match. Little did he know he'd captain the side a minimum 99 more times.4. THAT goal v Nigeria
The 2018 World Cup came after their late extra time defeat in the final in 2014. It was thought that in 2018 the Argentine side would boot on and win it. It didn't quite go that way. Argentina drew with Iceland and got battered 3-0 by Croatia. With that, the side needed a win against Nigeria. Messi scored one of his finest goals against the Super Eagles to send them on their way. This led to the famous picture of Diego Maradona celebrating over the edge of the stand.
3. Finalissima
The Finalissima was a one of game featuring the best side in Europe v the best side in South America, but it was discontinued in 1978. It was brought back in 2021 though. Italy and Argentina met in Wembley, where Italy won their European Championship. The game was an absolute spectacle and Lionel Messi returned to the pitch in which he won his third Champions League trophy. Argentina ran out 3-0 winners and it felt as if all 90,000 people in attendance were there to see the magician play.2. Qualifying Argentina for the World Cup on his own
As mentioned, Argentina struggled in the 2018 World Cup and in fairness the signs were there in qualifying. It came down to the last game where they had a must win clash against Ecuador. Ecuador took the lead after 40 seconds. Step up the captain, Lionel Messi. The hero scored a hat-trick and made sure his nation would be in Russia in what is arguably the greatest individual performance in Argentinian history.1. First International Trophy
Messi has won countless trophies in his career. He's one of the most decorated. Of course, it is harder to win international trophies due to the fact there's so many less opportunities. Despite this, it's something that was always a mark on the 35 year old's career. 3 runners up medals and two retirement's, it seemed Messi would never be successful until the 2021 Copa America. Argentina finally won a trophy with Messi in the side and the hoodoo was over. It's down to this now, for Messi to add to his collection and get the coveted World Cup trophy.[fixture id=9866 btn label="Book Now"]
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