Legendary striker Lionel Messi was the highlight of Wednesday night when Copa America holders Argentina registered a 3-0 triumph over European champions Italy in the Finalissima at the iconic Wembley Stadium.
Argentina raced into a two-goal lead in the first half thanks to goals from Lautaro Martinez and Angel Di Maria. Paulo Dybala capped his country's emphatic win.
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Image Credit: Lionel Messi Instagram
However, Lionel Messi, who had a disappointing first season with Paris Saint-Germain, appeared to be back to his imperious best as he took the spotlight. The 34-year-old's eye-catching display featured two assists and was worthy of his rare appearance at one of football's great cathedrals.
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Image Credit: Lionel Messi Instagram
Following his team's win against Italy, the Argentine superstar said, "Today was a nice test because Italy is a great team. We knew it was going to be a nice game and a nice setting in which to be champions. It was a beautiful final, full of Argentines. What we experienced here was beautiful."
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Image Credit: Lionel Messi Instagram
Taking to Instagram, Messi added, "Incredible atmosphere at Wembley and a great match from everyone to win the FINALISSIMA 2022!!!"
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Image Credit: Di Maria Instagram
This win will hand Argentina a much-needed boost ahead of the Qatar World Cup 2022 in November, as Messi and Co. will hope to extend the golden afterglow from the victory over Brazil that ended their 28-year wait to win the Copa America in 2021.
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Image Credit: Getty Images (File Photo)
If Messi can play at this level in Qatar, Lionel Scaloni's side will be a force to be reckoned with as they chase a first World Cup title since 1986.
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Image Credit: Di Maria Instagram
"Everything changed after Copa America. Now we are enjoying ourselves, and things are happening much more easily. We are excited but must keep our feet on the ground," Di Maria said.
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Image Credit: Di Maria Instagram
"How nice to shout champion again with this shirt. How proud of this team. What great happiness for this group. LET'S GO ARGENTINA," he wrote on Instagram.
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Image Credit: Paulo Dybala Instagram
Meanwhile, former Juventus star Dybala too took to Instagram to celebrate Argentina's win over the European champions. "Unique happiness," he wrote along with photographs of himself celebrating this victory.
For Italy, it was a disappointing return to Wembley 11 months after they beat England on penalties in the Euro 2020 final. Roberto Mancini's team have gone into a steep decline since that triumph. They failed to qualify for the World Cup after suffering a humiliating loss to North Macedonia in their play-off semi-final.
