India skipper Rohit Sharma emulated Lionel Messi’s famous slow-walk celebration after the T20 World Cup final last year. Messi himself replicated the gesture after Argentina’s FIFA World Cup victory in 2022. Rohit once again did the same at the Kensington Oval in Barbados recently, with help from Kuldeep Yadav, a Messi fan who suggested the celebration.
However, after Argentina’s 1-0 win over Colombia in the Copa America final, Messi repeated the celebration, this time with teammates Angel Di Maria and Nicolas Otamendi, urging them to lift the trophy together.
Messi lifts up the trophy once again !!! pic.twitter.com/76unxFQ0TD
— Messi Media (@LeoMessiMedia) July 15, 2024
Argentina clinched their record-breaking 16th Copa America title with the win, marking their fourth consecutive triumph. Despite Messi’s injury during the final, Lautaro Martinez’s decisive goal in extra time sealed the victory for La Albiceleste.
This victory also saw Argentina secure their third consecutive major tournament title, with Messi adding another accolade to his illustrious career, becoming the most decorated player in football.
Angel Di Maria, who retired from international football after the win, expressed his gratitude and emotions towards the team’s achievement in a post-game conference.
Argentina’s dominant performance in the tournament included victories over Ecuador, Canada, and Colombia, who were unbeaten in 28 games prior to the final.
(With IANS Inputs)
@Cricbun
