WATCH: Lionel Messi gets emotional after reaching his 7th international final for Argentina

Lionel Messi is a happy man. The 37-year-old led Argentina to yet another final as La Albiceleste picked up a 2-0 win over Canada in the semi-final of the Copa America. Lionel Scaloni handed Argentina’s No.10 the start up front alongside Angel Di Maria and Julian Alvarez. The tactician’s gamble paid off as both Alvarez and Messi bagged the goals for Argentina on a crucial night.

There aren’t many players more experienced than Lionel Messi to guide one’s team to the final of a major international tournament. Argentina’s No.9 Julian Alvarez did well to get on the end of a Rodrigo De Paul pass before rounding his marker and slotting home for Argentina’s first. The Argentine captain then stepped up to bag his first goal of the tournament.

Messi’s gentle touch in front of the keeper was enough to guide Enzo Fernandez‘s shot beyond Maxime Crepeau to make it 2-0. Following the win, Messi was taking in the celebrations with a wide smile plastered on his face.

Overcome by emotion, Messi was seen rubbing his eyes repeatedly after leading his country to a seventh international final.

Lionel Messi hints at potential retirement after booking spot in Copa America final

At the age of 37, Lionel Messi is well aware that he doesn’t have much more left in the tank. The prolific No.10 is undoubtedly one of the best in the history of the sport. As Argentina booked their spot in yet another final, Messi ‘acknowledged’ that he is in the endgame of his brilliant career. In a post-match interview, Messi spoke of how he is enjoying the ‘final challenges’ of his career.

I am aware that these are the last battles and I am enjoying them to the fullest.

Lionel Messi said in a post-match interview

He also took pride in how the Argentine national team has managed to reach yet another final. Messi got off the mark with a crucial goal in the 51st minute, as he guided Enzo Fernandez’s shot past the keeper. Fans can rest assured that every player wearing white and blue will give it their all in the final irrespective of their opponents.

As announced earlier, Angel Di Maria will play his final game for La Albiceleste in the final. It will be nothing less than shocking if Messi follows suit to call time on one of the most decorated international careers.

In case you missed it :

• Ian Wright gives Cristiano Ronaldo a ‘reality check’ after Portugal’s brutal Euros exit
• Jude Bellingham becomes Ballon d’Or favorite once again after Vinicius Jr’s Copa America exit

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