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Argentina midfielder Rodrigo De Paul has claimed that the image of Lionel Messi crying after being subbed off in the Copa America final inspired the team to win the match for him.
Speaking via the streaming channel OLGA, De Paul recalled the exact moment that inspired La Albiceleste to win Copa America 2024. After Lionel Messi was subbed off in the 66th minute due to a serious ankle injury, the cameras focused on him in the stands, devastated and crying. De Paul said that moment motivated the team to win the title for their captain.
"When Leo comes out, they focus on him on the big screen and he was crying. We saw it ourselves on the field. There was a total uproar because of that image and we saw it. And then we said: 'We are winning this for him'," De Paul said (via All About Argentina on X).
After Messi was subbed off, the 0-0 deadlock continued until extra time. Finally, Lautaro Martinez's goal in the 112th minute proved decisive for Argentina as they won their second consecutive Copa America title after defeating Colombia 1-0.
Messi was spotted celebrating from the stands as he cheered for his teammates. During the award ceremony, the Argentine captain invited Angel Di Maria and Nicholas Otamendi to lift the trophy with him. The Copa America final on July 14 was Di Maria's last game for La Albiceleste.
Lionel Messi shares heartfelt post on Instagram after winning second Copa America with Argentina
After winning his second consecutive Copa America title with Argentina, Lionel Messi shared a heartwarming message on Instagram for his teammates, fans and staff. He thanked everyone for their messages about his injury and confirmed he's doing well.
"Copa America is over and the first thing I want to thank everyone for the messages and greetings. I'm doing well, thank God, and hopefully soon I can be on the court again enjoying what I love doing most. I'm happy, a lot, especially because we achieved the goal we had and Fide [Angel Di Maria] leaves us but with another Cup," Lionel Messi wrote.
Messi added that he would like to inspire the younger players in the team and continue to work as a family.
"The biggest ones, like him (Di Maria) , Ota (Otamendi) or me, we live it with special excitement, with other teammates who already have several tournaments and add their experience as well, and with a litter of young people who give their all in every ball. We are a team and also a family, a spectacular group. Thanks to everyone who was supporting us, this national team has a lot of present and a lot of future too. Let's go Argentina!" the Argentine captain added.
As per Gaston Edul, Lionel Messi won't require surgery for his ankle injury and should recover with enough rest. He is set to be out for around 40 days, per Martin Arevalo, and is expected to miss the MLS All-Star Game on July 24.
