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Argentina's striker Lautaro Martinez celebrated his winning goal by reaching out to Lionel Messi on the bench as they were crowned Copa America champions once again on Sunday, July 14.
The Inter Milan star netted the only goal of the game in the 112th minute to break Colombia's resistence. Earlier in the match, Messi had gone off with an injury in a huge blow for Argentina.
He had initially survived a knock, getting up after some medical intervention in the first half as the Albiceleste heaved a sigh of relief. But it reared its ugly head over the Argentinian skipper again after the break as Messi was unable to continue.
To make matters worse, Gonzalo Montiel joined him on the sidelines just a few minutes later as the defender too picked up a knock, much to Argentina's dismay.
It just wasn't going as planned for the reigning Copa America champions, who struggled to create solid chances against Colombia's obdurate backline. But their persistence paid off in the second period of extra-time when Martinez was fed by Giovani Lo Celso on the right, and the 26-year-old produced an emphatic finish at the far post to give Argentina the lead.
Martinez was seen running up to a jubilant Messi on the sidelines and embracing him, a heartwarming moment which has captured the attention of fans after a clip emerged online.
Not only does it reflect on the close bond shared between the players in the squad, but it's also a testament to the respect and admiration that Messi's teammates have for their talismanic skipper.
Lionel Messi becomes the most decorated player with 45 titles
Even though he has long completed football, Lionel Messi added another feather to his already bulging cap: he's now the most decorated player in the history of the sport with 45 titles.
Just three years ago, Messi was still trophyless with Argentina, with wounds of multiple final heartbreaks still fresh in his memory. But fast forward your calendar to present day, and he has four, including two Copa America and one World Cup.
In a short time, the former Barcelona ace not only managed to get the monkey off his back, but also reaffirmed his position as the greatest player of all time by ticking all the remaining boxes too.
