“Bodied Ronaldo" "Leaders inspire, bosses dictate" - Fans laud Lionel Messi's selflessness as Angel Di Maria lifts Copa America trophy with him

Fans waxed lyrical about Lionel Messi for his selflessness on X after he asked Angel Di Maria and Nicolas Otamendi to lift the Copa America trophy with him. Argentina retained their title after narrowly defeating Colombia 1-0 in the 2024 Copa America final at the Hard Rock Stadium (July 14).

Lionel Messi's game sadly came to a premature end when he was on the receiving end of a nasty challenge in the first half, causing his ankle to swell up. Despite attempting to play through the pain, the 37-year-old had to be replaced in the 66th minute by Nicolas Gonzalez, reducing the former to tears.

The game went to extra time after Colombia were able to hold Argentina to a stalemate in the first 90 minutes. However, Lautaro Martinez scored his fifth goal of the 2024 Copa America in the 112th minute - ensuring Argentina were crowned champions - and won the Golden Boot in the process.

Lionel Messi was all smiles as La Albiceleste celebrated winning their fourth trophy in three years. He showed great humbleness at the podium, calling Di Maria and Otamendi to lift the trophy with him, instead of doing it by himself. Both veterans are expected to call time on their international career with Di Maria already publicly confirming so.

One fan reckons Lionel Messi bodied Cristiano Ronaldo by his actions:

"Bodied Ronaldo."

Another fan posted:

"Leaders inspire, Bosses dictate."

Other fan reactions can be seen below:

"Messi bringing over Di Maria and Otamendi to lift the trophy with him was such a nice touch. One of the best captains ever. So many ignore this just because he doesn’t scream and shout. Players see through that bulls**t. They know a leader when they see one, and that’s Messi," one fan posted

"Ángel Di María. The Robin to Lionel Messi's Batman. The greatest big game player ever. Always gave his 110% in every match. Played 120 minutes at the age of 36 in a Copa America final for Argentina. All of these trophies won do not happen without him. Thank you Fideo," one fan hailed Di Maria.

"MY HUMBLE GOAT," another added.

"The most humble player of all time," one fan insisted.

"What a leader! Cristiano will never do this," another chimed in.

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"We were able to give him some joy" - Angel Di Maria gives verdict after guiding Lionel Messi-led Argentina to 2024 Copa America glory

Argentina legend Angel Di Maria reckons he was fated to end his international career as a winner after La Albiceleste were crowned 2024 Copa America champions on Sunday for a record 16th time.

Argentina's 2-1 win against Colombia will be Di Maria's last game for his country after he announced he would be retiring from international football after the Copa America last year. The 36-year-old gave an honest review following their win (via DD News):

“The truth is, this was written, it was this way. I dreamed it, I dreamed that I would arrive to the final and win it and retire in this way. I have so many beautiful feelings and I am eternally grateful to this generation and today I am leaving in this way with a title.”

He also expressed his happiness about winning the game for Lionel Messi after the latter was forced off in the second half due to an ankle injury:

"Messi had to leave because of that ankle problem but finally we were able to give him some joy"

Di Maria has been one of Argentina's most important players for the past 17 years, scoring 31 goals and providing 32 assists in 145 appearances across all competitions. He has helped them win four trophies including two Copa America titles and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.