Lionel Messi drew level with Cristiano Ronaldo’s hall of international trophies after leading Argentina to victory in Wednesday night’s Finalissima clash against the Azzurris of Italy, on the 2nd of June, 2022.
The showpiece clash between the Champions of Europe and the Copa America champions took place at Wembley with Argentina beating the European champions by 3 goals to nothing.
Messi bagged double assists in the win, with Lautaro Martinez, Angel di Maria, and Paulo Dybala scoring for Lionel Scaloni’s side.
This match marks the third time that the winners of the European championship and the Copa America met; Argentina won the recent meeting back in 1993 when they beat the Danes in a penalty shootout.
This result means that Messi is set to lead Argentina in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar later this year, with the Argentine matching Ronaldo’s haul of major international applauds after helping Argentina end their 18years trophy drought, by clinching the Copa America last July.
Messi was the star of the show as he dominated proceedings against Italy to deservedly win the man of the match.
This win sees Messi lift his second trophy with his national side in one year. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner was also the man of the match in the classic showdown at the Wembley stadium; a familiar venue for the PSG starman.
He’s now drawn level with his nemesis, Cristiano Ronaldo, on two international trophies each. Ronaldo won his first with Portugal in 2016 when they ousted huge favourites France to win the Euros.
He then goes on to win the inaugural final of the UEFA Nations League in 2019. The two greats will get yet another chance to display their talents one more time in the Qatar 2022 world cup.
Both players have previously failed to lead their nations to World Cup victory, with Messi coming close during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
