On the tenth it was the charm. Messi ended his disappointments with Argentina after winning the Copa América after five previous attempts in the continental tournament and four World Cups. The misfortunes followed one another for the ’10’, in spite of his perseverance and firm commitment in winning a great title of selections. Messi got the long-awaited success after a terrific performance throughout his competitive stay in Brazil. Possibly he offered his most complete performance wearing the albiceleste shirt. From start to finish, with new comrades such as Emiliano Martínez, De Paul, Lo Celso, Nico González or Lautaro, in addition to the always remarkable Di María, he has been immeasurable and has displaced the traditional criticisms that accused him of turning off when he played with the national team. The victory gives him air in the debate on his contribution with Argentina, always pointed out by some in a way that is less debatable. The figures do not leave room for doubt. No matter how much a lie is repeated, it will never be true. Messi cannot do more with Argentina.
Messi’s individual brilliance in Brazil, accompanied this time by an estimable collective level, corresponds to his usual importance. His career, with some logical ups and downs, proves the honorary path that he has followed despite the fact that the titles were elusive. Familiar with adversity, which made him temporarily resign from the albiceleste after the frustration of the Copa América in 2016, He always tried, without fainting, moved by the desire to answer the story. So far and so close to the titles, so far and so close to Maradona, Messi is always looked at from the direct comparison with the other Argentine star. Whatever I did, It was almost impossible for Pelusa to have a successor to its height in the Argentine collective imagination. If Messi has not achieved it, he is close to it.
He is by far the player with the most goals, assists, games and captainships. He also has better individual averages than Maradona. The only thing missing was that 2014 World Cup in Brazil, which disappeared in Higuaín’s boots. In the global Maradona lived a curse with the Copa América that he never lifted, but the ecstasy of Mexico 1986 can do everything. In any case, the football reality does not distance as much as is believed to be from each other. Victory claims, but defeat is not exclusive. Maradona was extraordinary and Messi is also. His stubborn determination to bury the old lie of his decline every time he has to represent Argentina reaffirms a performance in which there is no room for censorship. If Messi ever sinned, he deserves forgiveness.