4) Leading Argentina to the Copa America final
Many would consider not winning the Copa Centenario as a failure in Messi’s career, but there is another way of looking at it. The little maestro missed the first few games for his country but played an important role in taking them to the final.
Most of the opponents were blown away by a very dominant Argentina team. In the group stages, they were drawn with Chile the holders of the competition, the team that famously beaten them in the final a year ago.
But thanks to Angel Di Maria Argentina won that game claiming revenge in some form. Argentina cruised to the final sweeping aside their opponents each step of the way and were drawn once again Chile in the final.
A Claudio Bravo inspired performance forced the game into the extra time and then penalties. It was once again the Manchester City keeper who produced the heroics to help deny Argentina for the second time in a row.
Messi still managed to bag 5 goals and 5 assists falling just one short of eventual golden ball winner Eduardo Vargas. He was heartbroken and was ready to give up on international football.
But new coach Edgardo Bauza flew down to Barcelona to convince him out of retirement and once again he’s at the forefront of the national team.It might a tough loss to take but after so many years Argentina have begun to dominate the international scene at least in terms of appearances in finals if not trophies and a lot of that is down to Messi.
