"Best player on earth until he hangs up his boots" - Fans react as Lionel Messi's stats from Argentina win in 2024 Copa America opener surface

Fans have taken to social media to react after Lionel Messi's stats from Argentina's Copa America win over Canada on June 20 were revealed. The legendary playmaker was instrumental in dealing Les Rouges a strong blow with a 2-0 win, as the North Americans floundered.

According to StatMuse, Messi was remarkably impressive on the day for La Albiceleste. He created five chances, while taking six shots at goal, with three on target. The World Cup winning captain also had his long-range passing on show.

He notably had two successive chances to put his name on the scoresheet, but was simply unable to get the goal he looked destined for. However, the playmaker remained on top of his game, threading in a perfect through pass for Lautaro Martinez to place between the goalkeeper's legs.

Fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to react, with some hailing the forward while others questioned his output on the day:

"Best player on earth until he hangs up his boots," a fan was full of praise.

"Messi can still ball ⛹️" another agreed.

"Normal day from GOAT," a third concluded.

"He’s created more chances than England for the past 2 games. I’m tired man😭💔" another fan compared Lionel Messi to the ongoing EUROs.

"3 big chances missed*" a fan corrected.

"This is gonna fool ppl who didn’t watch the game," another said in disagreement.

"lol I’m an Argentina fan longer than almost everybody on twitter and I can tell you , I expected him to score those chances. He had a terrible day to his standards," a fan opined.

A few others added:

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Lionel Messi names player that angered him the most

Lionel Messi has revealed, perhaps unsurprisingly, that Sergio Ramos was the player who upset him the most. The legendary Real Madrid defender was easily one of the best players in the world during his prime, and he regularly frustrated the Barcelona legend when both sides clashed.

Speaking to Abitare about Ramos, who later played alongside the Argentine playmaker at Paris Saint-Germain, Messi said (via Daily Post):

“We had many clashes with Sergio Ramos: how many times did I argue…He is the player who made me feel the most angry. Then we were team-mates, but we always clashed in the Clasico: they were intense matches."

Sergio Ramos has opted to stay in Europe, now playing for Sevilla after ending his stint in Paris. Messi, on the other hand, decided on a switch across the pond, which now sees him play for Inter Miami.