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Lionel Messi has said that winning the World Cup with Argentina in 2022 made him “feel accomplished” as it was the prize that he “desired most.” He added that he is now looking to win the 2024 Copa America with La Albiceleste.
Messi enjoyed success with Barcelona from the very onset of his career, picking up the first of his 10 La Liga winner’s medals in his debut season in 2005. He went on the become the club’s most decorated player with 35 trophies. He won four Champions League trophies, seven Copa del Reys, and numerous other accolades.
However, success with Argentina eluded him for most of his career, losing his first major final with the Albiceleste in 2007 - the Copa America final against Brazil. He then lost three major finals in three years, the World Cup final in 2014 and the Copa America finals in 2015 and 2016.
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The curse was finally broken at the 2021 Copa America, where Argentina beat hosts Brazil in the final as Messi claimed his first international trophy. La Albiceleste then beat Italy in the intercontinental Finalissima before going on to win their third World Cup title in Qatar.
Reflecting on the historic win, Messi said in an interview with Argentine presenter Joaquin Alvarez (via @AlbicelesteTalk on X):
“Being a world champion makes you, or for me, it made me feel accomplished. I achieved everything, I was able to reach the goals and dreams I had, and being able to say that is very difficult.”
He added:
“And yes, we achieved the goal and obviously what we, my family, and everyone desired most. But then life goes on. I had to continue in Paris, I had to live here and keep trying to achieve things, to keep winning. Now we have another challenge with the national team, to try to win a Copa America.”
The 2022 World Cup triumph was Argentina's first since 1986.
Lionel Messi and Argentina set for Copa America defense
Lionel Messi is all set to lead Argentina in their bid to defend their Copa America crown this month. La Albiceleste have been pitted against Chile, Canada, and Peru in Group A of this year's tournament, which will be held in the USA.
Argentina are coming into the tournament on the back of good form. They have won 11 games of their 12 games since the World Cup final against France in December 2022. They are currently top of the CONMEBOL 2026 World Cup qualification table and have won both their friendlies this year. Argentina also come into the tournament as the top-ranked nation in the world and as heavy favorites to win.
The defending champions will play the tournament opener against Canada on Thursday, June 20 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. They will then face Chile at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on June 25 before taking on Peru at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on June 29.
