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Lionel Messi won his first international trophy when Argentina beat Brazil 1-0 in the final of the Copa America 2021. Angel Di Maria scored the only goal of the game.
Messi's mother, Celia Cuticcini revealed the rituals the family followed during the game. Cuticcini said that every family member watched the game alone. She elaborated (via Be Soccer):
"Every one of us watched the match alone, following our own good luck rituals. I get very sick, with all my saints around me."
Cuticcini also added that while she got very sick and nervous, she maintained her faith in god.
Lionel Messi's wife Antonela Roccuzzo watched the game on her own in her parents' house. Messi's brother and father watched the game alone, too. Cuticcini said that after La Albiceleste won, they all gathered to celebrate:
"Once the match finished, the hugs came pouring in between us all."
Lionel Messi went on to win 2022 FIFA World Cup
While an international trophy eluded Lionel Messi for most of his career, he has now completed football. After winning the Copa America in 2021, Argentina won the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The Paris Saint-Germain superstar played a starring role in his country's success. He scored seven goals and provided three assists to take home the Golden Ball for the second time in his career. Messi previously won the honour in 2014 when Argentina finished the runner-ups.
Messi also scored twice in a final that has been deemed as the best ever by many. The game ended 3-3 after extra time before La Albiceleste won on penalties, with Nahuel Molina scoring the winner.
The win brought an end to the South American giant's 36-year World Cup drought. They have now won the holy grail three times in their decorated history, doing so in 1978 and 1986.
