Lionel Messi and Argentina were once again dominant, beating Colombia in the 2024 Copa America final thanks to an extra-time winner from Lautaro Martinez. What made the victory even more special was that Messi was substituted in the second half due to injury, and the reigning world champions thrived without him, something they hadn’t been able to do in the past.

Ultimately, Messi claimed his second consecutive Copa America title. The victory has fans comparing this Argentinian team to the 2008-12 Spanish team, who won back-to-back Euros and a World Cup in between. Argentina have done the same, beating Kylian Mbappé’s France in the 2022 final in Qatar, and fans won’t be surprised if they successfully defend their title in 2026.

After Argentina’s win, fans started the GOAT debate between Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi again. Ronaldo and Portugal, on the other hand, lost to France in the quarter-finals of UEFA Euro 2024 and also failed to impress in Qatar. Ronaldo did lead Portugal to success at Euro 2016, but he was also injured in the first half and had to be substituted.

Speaking after Argentina’s Copa America victory, Angel Di Maria, who was also Ronaldo’s Real Madrid team-mate, weighed in on the debate. “Ultimately, the best is the one who has more Ballons d’Or, and Messi has eight. For me, that’s why there is some distance between him and Cristiano,” he said.

After Portugal’s defeat to France, Ronaldo was seen consoling Pepe, who retired after the match. Ronaldo has not announced his retirement, and neither has Messi.

Meanwhile, Messi is currently sidelined due to a ligament injury. During Inter Miami’s win over Toronto FC, he was seen in the stands with his wife and children. He was also wearing a walking boot on his right ankle.

Head coach Tata Martino gave an update on Messi’s injury after the match, saying: “The club’s medical report is available and the information is that the injury will certainly be evaluated week by week.”

“We will see how his recovery goes, without taking any risks,” he added.