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Copa America 2024 was Lionel Messi’s 45th career trophy (AP)
Lionel Messi overtook Brazil’s Dani Alves as the footballer with the most trophies.
Lionel Messi won his 45th career trophy as Argentina beat Colombia 1-0 in the Copa America final, surpassing Brazil’s Dani Alves as the footballer with the most trophies.
Copa America Final: Argentina vs Colombia – HIGHLIGHTS
Messi’s Trophies –
- La Liga: 10 (Barcelona)
- Copa del Rey: 7 (Barcelona)
- Spanish Super Cup: 7 (Barcelona)
- UEFA Champions League: 4 (Barcelona)
- UEFA Super Cup: 3 (Barcelona)
- FIFA Club World Cup: 3 (Barcelona)
- Ligue 1: 3 (Paris Saint-Germain)
- Trophée des Champions: 1 (Paris Saint-Germain)
- Leagues Cup: 1 (Inter Miami)
- FIFA U-20 World Cup: 1 (Argentina)
- Olympics Gold: 1 (Argentina)
- Copa America: 2 (Argentina)
- FIFA World Cup: 1 (Argentina)
- La Finalissima: 1 (Argentina)
“Leo is the greatest player in history,” Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said through an interpreter. “He never wants to leave the pitch. He has a swollen ankle and wants to keep playing. I prefer those players. He wants to play not because he is egotistical or selfish. He wants to keep playing because he doesn’t want to leave his teammates. … He was born to be on the pitch.”
In a match that started 1 hour, 22 minutes late because of crowd trouble at Hard Rock Stadium, Argentina won its third straight major title following the 2021 Copa America and 2022 World Cup and matched Spain, which won the 2008 and 2012 European Championships around the 2010 World Cup.
ALSO WATCH | Lionel Messi Bursts Into Tears After Injury Forces Him Out of Copa America Final
A sour note of the night for Argentina though was Lionel Messi’s injury. He went down in the 36th minute after his left ankle was caught by Santiago Arias but walked back onto the field three minutes later.
Messi appeared to sustain a non-contact injury while running and falling in the 64th minute. he looked to the bench as soon as he fell to the field in the second half, appearing to know his tournament was over. He took off his right boot as he walked off and slammed it in frustration, and his ankle appeared to swell. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner covered his face with his hands as he sat on the bench and sobbed.
(With inputs from Agencies)