From Lionel Messi’s point of view, the Copa final could not have been more dramatic, but ultimately more successful. Now he should step down at the peak – before he destroys his memory. A comment.
By Chris Lugert
Several thousand kilometers apart, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo fought one last duel in the last few days and weeks. Ronaldo and Portugal competed at the European Championships, Messi and Argentina at the Copa America. In the end there is a clear victory on points for “La Pulga”.
Argentina and captain Messi won the South American Championship on Monday night, making it their third title in four years. In the following days of his career, the football god represented his world with so many trophies in the “Albiceleste” jersey that it seemed almost kitschy.
It’s been a long time since Messi never missed a trophy with FC Barcelona, but he failed regularly with Argentina. The years 2014 to 2016 are typical, when he and his team lost three finals in a row – at the 2014 World Cup against Germany and then twice in the Copa America final.
2016 was particularly bitter for him personally, after all that year Portugal won the European Championship in France with his long-time rival Ronaldo. The eternal duel between the two influential players of the last 20 years seemed to be settled. But now things look completely different.
In 2021, Messi was awarded the Copa victory against, of all things, Argentina’s arch-nemesis Brazil, and a year and a half later he finally climbed to the football Olympus with the World Cup title. And now? As captain, he guided his team to the international treble, which only Spain had previously achieved between 2008 and 2012.
However, he hasn’t really supported his team in the past few weeks. Messi looked ill, and the now 37-year-old was only able to see his former magic from time to time. In the quarter final against Ecuador he didn’t lose a penny. The superstar scored just one goal during the tournament.
Messi: First the tears, then the trophy
And yet, even if unintentionally, he made the headlines again. In the final against Colombia, Messi injured his ankle and had to be replaced in tears. He also cried uncontrollably on the bench, and his swollen ankle became a symbolic image.
It almost didn’t matter that Lautaro Martinez scored Argentina’s winner in extra time and the attacker became the top scorer with five goals. Everyone was looking at Messi, who as captain – along with the other two chances Angel di Maria and Nicolas Otamendi – lifted the magnificent Copa trophy into the sky again.
It was a Hollywood ending for the MLS legionnaire, provided he calls it quits. Every neutral football fan can only wish that Messi will make the right decision and quit the national team. Of course it makes sense to try until the World Cup 2026. But the risk of disaster would be huge.
Cristiano Ronaldos EM-Disaster and Warnung
Ironically, Cristiano Ronaldo of all people is another step ahead of him – albeit unpleasantly. The 39-year-old delivered a performance that would put anyone to shame at the European Championships in Germany. It was abundantly clear that he was more of a burden than a help to his team. His performance could not be compared to multiple world football players.
Messi could face a similar fate at the World Cup in two years’ time. It would be a shame for such a career if, through lack of insight, he harmed his memory by wasting a tour. Great quality also includes knowing when it’s over. Ronaldo missed the timely jump. Messi can succeed now.
He no longer has to prove anything to anyone in Argentina. Like Ronaldo, Messi is no longer playing at the highest level at club level. At the age they are both, their performance declines much faster if the weekly demands are lower. This is particularly visible in the national team jersey.
Next year’s finalissima, when European champions Spain meet Copa winners Argentina, could be Messi’s big farewell. Of all things against the country that was his second home for a long time and where he was a superstar. This exit would be stylish and would do justice to his career.
One can only hope that Messi himself sees it that way.