“One more” - Lionel Messi makes brilliant Instagram post as Argentina win Copa America 2024

Lionel Messi reacted on Instagram to Argentina winning Copa America 2024 after beating Colombia in the final on Sunday (July 14). With the game ending goalless after 90 minutes, it was substitute Lautaro Martinez who scored the final only goal in the 112th minute.

This handed La Albiceleste the Copa America title, even without Messi on the pitch. The 37-year-old's night was unfortunately cut short after he picked up an ankle injury in the second half. Nicolas Gonzalez came on to replace his captain in the 66th minute of the game.

A disheartened Messi could also be spotted shedding tears as he took his place on the substitutes bench. However, the night ended well, with the Inter Miami sensation recording his second success in this continental competition.

Following the game's conclusion, Messi posted an image of himself with the trophy and wrote in the caption:

"One more."

Messi has seen a fair bit of international success in the latter parts of his career. He was pivotal in Argentina's World Cup triumph in Qatar in 2022, bagging seven goals and three assists while winning the Golden Ball.

The Barcelona legend was, unfortunately, not as instrumental in his team's Copa America glory this year, bagging a goal and an assist each in five matches. Overall, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has played 187 matches across competitions for the national team, netting 109 times and assisting on 58 occasions.

---

Argentina manager reacts to Lionel Messi's substitution in Copa America final

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni lavished praise on Lionel Messi after the latter was substituted in his country's Copa America 2024 final against Colombia on Sunday.

Scaloni claims that even with a swollen ankle, Messi wished to continue and it was this attitude of his that stands out. Speaking after the match, he said (via Fox Sports):

"Leo is the greatest player in history. He never wants to leave the pitch. He has a swollen ankle and wants to keep on playing. I prefer those type of players."

"His teammates see that he's 30 something and he wants to contribute. He wants to play not because he has an ego. He wants to play because he doesn't want to leave his teammates."

Following this international campaign, Messi will return to his club side Inter Miami, who are competing in the MLS. They're currently second in the Eastern Conference standings after 23 matches.