Argentina’s number 10 played his best in the championship match against Colombia and broke another record, but could not control his emotions in Messi’s last appearance at the world’s oldest playground.

Argentina won a record 16th Copa America title after Lautaro Martinez scored in extra time in a final that was delayed for more than an hour as thousands of ticketless fans tried to get into the stadium. Martinez’s goal sparked wild celebrations at Hard Rock Stadium after Lionel Messi was forced off injured.

Messi played in his fifth Copa America final for Argentina. The No. 10 was substituted in the second half and was in tears. One of the standout names in the 2024 final at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, is Lionel Messi, although he will not be the decisive figure.

Messi’s last game was the only unfinished game in the 2024 Copa America final. Photo: GETTY.

Winner of the 2021 tournament with Argentina and then a 2022 FIFA World Cup winner, superstar Messi is one of coach Lionel Scaloni’s first starters for this year’s final against Colombia.

Just by entering the field, he set another important record in his career: being the player who played the most finals for the national team in the world’s oldest tournament , with five finals (2007, 2015, 2016, 2021 and 2024), surpassing Javier Mascherano, his former teammate at Albiceleste.

On the pitch, Messi made his presence felt. He had Argentina’s best chance in the first half, firing low from Angel Di Maria’s pass but it was cleared. He continued to be heavily involved in Argentina’s attacks, handling the ball 43 times during his time on the pitch, completing three dribbles and winning three challenges.

The Argentine star was in tears after being substituted in Messi’s final appearance at the world’s oldest tournament. Photo: GETTY.

Messi also completed 85% of his passes (28 of 33), including a crucial pass that set up an Argentina shot. In the second half, Messi endured another 21 minutes of fighting, but had no choice. After leaving everything on the pitch, he was replaced by Nico Gonzalez, and Messi’s frustration was palpable. He couldn’t hold back the tears.

Messi was desperate to continue playing until the end of the match as he always did, and this was the first time the number 10 had been substituted in a final for his country. It was also the first time he had been substituted after playing in the Copa America since 2007, and it was also Messi’s last appearance for Argentina at this major tournament.

Argentina won the Copa America for a record 16th time, and it was also Messi’s last. Photo: GETTY.

At 37, despite being a Copa America champion for the second time in a row, Lionel Messi still felt emotional when he pulled on the Argentina shirt as if it were his first. Lautaro Martinez’s stoppage-time goal against Colombia gave Argentina a 1-0 victory and a record-breaking 16th Copa America title.

And the significance of playing in Messi’s final Copa America final was the image of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner beaming as he celebrated his crown once more.