Argentina's recent success under the leadership of Lionel Messi have an indisputable starting point: the 2021 CONMEBOL Copa América, played on Brazilian soil.
The Albiceleste not only ended a 28-year title drought, but also gained the necessary confidence to go on and become world champions for the third time in history.
The historic, magical and now legendary Argentine number 10 was widely recognized as the best player of the tournament and lifted the cup for the first time with his national team. It was the beginning of an unstoppable hegemony, which would ultimately lead them to the Finalissima and World Cup titles.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVLJGjmBGzA
The 2021 CONMEBOL Copa América is undoubtedly one of the most important titles in Argentina's football history, mostly for what it meant for them at the time, winning again after 28 years and getting rid of the trauma of losing two consecutive finals.
This much is made clear by Messi's tears at the end of the match, the hug with his teammates and the beautiful moment of a video call with his family in the middle of Maracanã stadium.
Lionel Messi's CONMEBOL Copa América was perfect. He was pointed as the best player, as well as the most influential in the tournament.
No numbers are needed to prove it, having seen him on the field is enough, but Messi was also the tournament's top scorer, with four goals. He scored once against Chile in his debut, then twice against Bolivia, still in the group stage, and once more against Ecuador in the quarter-finals.
In addition, the Argentine captain led the tournament with 5 assists, while being the player with the most chances created for his team, with 21. Outstanding numbers for the 7 games he played in the competition.
In the final at the mythical Maracanã Stadium, a South American super-derby against Brazil, the curse that prevented Argentina from becoming champions was finally broken. With a goal by Angel Di María, the Albiceleste and Messi took a huge weight off their backs, according to confessions by the star.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tLxv5EsszA
“I was able to fulfil the dream I wanted so badly,” stated Lionel later.
The CONMEBOL Copa América was the fuel the 'Scaloneta' needed at the hands of Lionel Messi to achieve everything they did.
