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Lionel Messi's brother Matias made a heartfelt claim about the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, admitting that Messi is his idol. He hinted that it could be his brother's last major tournament with the side.
La Albiceleste have won all of their matches at the Copa America 2024 so far. Lionel Scaloni's men maintained clean sheets in their three group-stage fixtures while winning against Ecuador on penalties in the quarter-finals.
Lisandro Martinez (35') opened the scoring for Argentina in the first half against La Tri. Kevin Rodriguez found a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, earning Ecuador a lifeline.
Lionel Messi missed his spot-kick in the penalty shootout but Emi Martinez made two saves. Moreover, Julian Alvarez, Alexis Mac Allister, Gonzalo Montiel, and Nicoals Otimendi found the back of the net to book a spot in the semi-finals.
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Ahead of Argentina's crucial semi-final clash against Canada later today (July 9), Messi's brother Matias made an emotional admission in an interview with Radio La Red. He said (as quoted by Argentine outlet Clarin):
"But, finally, a beautiful film is being finished for my brother, who is also my idol, he knows it."
He added on Lionel Messi's missed penalty against Ecuador:
"We go crazy for the national team as a family , like every player's family does. Several of these kids have been through incredible things, both good and bad, they've reached several finals and it hadn't been possible for them, we always suffered back there, that's why the other day when he missed the penalty we all encouraged him, we looked at each other and sent him strength."
Messi is yet to find the back of the net for La Albiceleste at the 2024 Copa America.
"It feels beautiful" - Matias opens up about relocating to Barcelona to support Lionel Messi's career
During the aforementioned interview, Matias also opened up about relocating to Barcelona to support Lionel Messi's career. He explained how he and his family made sacrifices to help his brother become a superstar.
Matias said:
"My old man and my old woman made a huge effort so that Leo could fulfill his dream, we did too as siblings. It feels beautiful . Although we were always family-oriented, this bond became stronger when we had to emigrate to Barcelona, because there we were alone and it was us against everyone."
"We made an armor in which we said 'nothing enters here' . There we went accompanying Leo, with confusion, because we were new to everything, my dad took charge without understanding anything until it was done."
Lionel Messi and his family moved from Argentina to Spain when he was 13 years old to join Barcelona's famed academy La Masia. He went on to establish himself as one of the greatest players to ever grace the sport.
The Argentine forward won 10 La Liga titles, four UEFA Champions League trophies, seven Copa del Rey trophies, and eight Supercopa de Espana, amongst other accolades.
