In 2016, the United States had the honor of hosting the Copa America for the first time. It wasn’t just any edition; this was the Centenario, a special commemoration of the tournament’s 100th anniversary. In this historic setting, Lionel Messi, clad in the iconic blue and white of the Argentina jersey, felt a sense of destiny. The sting of the 2015 final, where Argentina lost to Chile in a heart-wrenching penalty shootout, was still fresh.
This time, Messi was determined to rewrite the narrative, to take his revenge, and to clinch his first international trophy in the Argentina jersey. But the road to the long-awaited final would not be easy—it led through the USMNT, spearheaded by the young and talented Christian Pulisic.
Argentina Jersey: On the Road to the Semifinals
Both Argentina and the USMNT topped their groups in a display of sheer soccer prowess. For the fans in the Argentina jerseys, the opening match held a special significance. It was a chance for redemption against Chile, the very team that had snatched the Copa America trophy from Messi and his comrades just a year earlier in the 2015 final, in a tense penalty shootout. The match unfolded with Argentina securing a convincing victory, thanks to goals from Di Maria and Ever Banega. Although Fuenzalida managed to score for Chile in the dying moments of the match, it was Argentina who walked away with the much-desired win, igniting hopes of a full-fledged revenge.
Argentina’s journey then turned into a parade of dominance. They demolished Panama with a staggering 5-0 victory, followed by a solid 3-0 win over Bolivia. Interestingly, Lionel Messi began the match against Panama on the bench, donning the Argentina jersey only in the 61st minute. Despite his delayed entry, his impact was immediate and electrifying. In less than 30 minutes, Messi showcased his extraordinary talent, scoring a remarkable hattrick.
His performance was a dazzling display of skill and precision, culminating in a stunning freekick goal that left spectators and commentators alike in awe. This masterful performance served as yet another testament to why Messi proudly bears the number 10 on the back of his Argentina jersey.
In the quarterfinals, they maintained their formidable form, dispatching Venezuela with a 4-1 triumph. The Argentina jersey shone with its former glory: four matches, an overwhelming 14-2 goal difference, and four wins. This stunning performance set the stage for the highly anticipated semifinal clash against the USA at the Shell Energy Stadium in Houston. The Argentinians arrived with confidence, ready to continue their quest for glory on foreign soil, their fans rallying behind them, waving the blue and white with pride and anticipation.
Team USA: From Rocky Start to Historic Semifinals
The journey for Pulisic and Team USA in their first Copa America was far from smooth. It began with a stumble, as they faced a tough defeat in their opening match against Colombia. The clear 0-2 loss was a wake-up call, but the team’s spirit wasn’t dampened. Just four days later, they roared back into contention, stunning everyone with a commanding 4-0 victory over Costa Rica. This win was particularly noteworthy considering that Costa Rica would later be playing a playoff match against Honduras in March for one of the last two spots in the Copa America 2024.
The final round of the group stage brought more good news for the USMNT. Clint Dempsey’s goal proved decisive in a hard-fought win over Paraguay. Meanwhile, in a surprising turn of events, Costa Rica clinched a victory over Colombia, reshuffling the standings in the group. This unexpected outcome handed the USA the top spot in their group, securing their passage to the next stage of the tournament. The team’s resilience and determination, hallmarked by their ability to bounce back from an initial setback, had paid off, propelling them into the semifinals of the Copa America for the first time in history.
Where Did the Brazil Jersey Vanish?
In a surprising turn of events at the 2016 Copa America, Brazil failed to advance beyond the group stage. They were poised for group leadership until the 75th minute of their match against Peru. The journey had started with a goalless draw against Ecuador, followed by an emphatic 7-1 demolition of Haiti. Against Peru, with the score at 0-0, an incident occurred that strongly argued for the introduction of video referees in football. In a moment, Brazil went from being potential group leaders to being knocked out due to a blatantly obvious handball goal, which made Maradona’s infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal seem almost inconspicuous.
How neither of the two referees spotted the hand-used goal, which seemed clear even at first glance, remains a mystery. This controversial goal led to Brazil’s unexpected exit from the tournament. The shock was palpable as the iconic yellow and green jerseys of Brazil, a team synonymous with football excellence and a perennial favorite, were conspicuously absent from the later stages of the Copa America. This incident not only marked a disappointing moment for Brazilian football but also highlighted the growing need for technological assistance in officiating to preserve the integrity of the game.
Will Neymar’s jersey grace the Copa America 2024? Here’s the latest on his injury status:
The Semifinal: A Free Kick Nominated for the Puskás Award
The semifinal match for Argentina continued with the same momentum they had in the quarterfinals. Early on, in just the 3rd minute, Ezequiel Lavezzi found the back of the net, capitalizing on a beautiful pass from Lionel Messi. Then, in the 32nd minute, a pivotal moment occurred that essentially sealed the fate of the match: Messi scored from a free kick, a goal so spectacular that it surpassed even his remarkable strike against Panama. This goal was so extraordinary that it became the first free kick ever to be nominated for the prestigious Puskás Award.
Once again, Messi demonstrated his incredible talent while wearing the Argentina jersey. Watching this goal is a thrilling experience, whether it’s for the first time or on replay:
As the semifinal match progressed into the second half, Gonzalo Higuaín, clad in the striking Argentina jersey, emerged as a key player. His impressive skill and precise finishing capabilities were on full display, as he scored twice to extend Argentina’s lead. This performance decisively crushed the USMNT’s aspirations for advancing to the final. Higuaín’s impressive brace highlighted not only his individual prowess but also the cohesive strength and strategic superiority of the Argentina squad.
On the other side, the USMNT, despite their determined efforts, were unable to match the intensity and skill of their opponents, ultimately concluding their Copa America campaign with a close 1-0 loss against Colombia in the match for the bronze medal.
Messi’s performance in the Argentina jersey during that match was a reminder of his status not just as a top player of his era, but as one of the greatest in the history of the sport.
After the Game: An Unforgettable Encounter During Drug Testing
The aftermath of the intense semifinal match between Argentina and the USA brought an unexpected and memorable moment for Christian Pulisic, the young American prodigy. Both he and Lionel Messi were selected for a routine post-game drug test, a standard procedure in high-level soccer tournaments. For Pulisic, only 17 at the time and substituted into the game in the second half, this mundane procedure turned into a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Reflecting on the experience, Pulisic shared his thoughts: “I played against Argentina and we suffered that day. We were 2-0 down at half time and Lionel Messi was incredible. I came on at half-time thinking ‘Oh no, this will be fun’. We lost 4-0. Messi and I were chosen for a random doping tests after, so I was sat there next to him, trying to be cool, aged 17.”
The awe of being in the presence of one of football’s greatest icons was palpable for the young Pulisic.
“I told the doctor to get my phone. I had to get my phone to have a picture taken with him. We couldn’t really communicate and I was too nervous to try and speak to him, but I had to ask him for a photo by gesticulating.”
he continued.
Messi, known for his humility and graciousness, responded positively. “He was really nice about the whole thing. He probably gets it a lot, just maybe not in those circumstances.” This encounter, though under unusual circumstances, was a testament to Messi’s character and a pivotal moment in Pulisic’s early career – an inspiring meeting of a rising star with an established legend in Argentina jersey.
The Final: A Heartbreaking Déjà Vu for Messi
The final of the Copa America proved to be a disheartening repeat of the previous year for Lionel Messi and Argentina. Just like in the previous edition, the match against Chile ended in a draw, leading to the nerve-wracking ordeal of a penalty shootout. In a twist of fate, Messi, wearing the Argentina jersey, missed his penalty shot. Overcome with disappointment, he was seen visibly upset, shredding his jersey in a moment of frustration.
Before Messi’s attempt, Chile’s shooter, Arturo Vidal, who was Messi’s teammate at the club level at the time, also missed his shot, keeping the duel evenly poised. However, the hope for Argentina was short-lived. In the fourth round of the shootout, Lucas Biglia, also representing Argentina, failed to convert his penalty. This miss sealed the fate of the match, handing Chile their second consecutive Copa America title, a remarkable achievement for a nation that had never previously won the continental tournament.
This outcome was particularly stinging for Argentina, and for Messi personally, as it mirrored the painful loss they suffered just a year earlier. The image of Messi, one of the greatest players of all time, distraught in his Argentina jersey, was a poignant reminder of the high stakes and emotional intensity inherent in international football. For Messi and Argentina, it was a moment of reflection and a reminder of the elusive nature of victory at the highest level of the sport.
Argentina Jersey: Messi’s Triumphant Comeback in 2021
Five years after their heart-wrenching defeat, Lionel Messi, clad in the Argentina jersey, made a triumphant return to the international stage. In 2021, he led Argentina to a remarkable victory, defeating Brazil in the iconic Maracanã Stadium. This victory marked the beginning of an extraordinary winning streak for Messi and Argentina. They first conquered the reigning Copa America champions Brazil on their home turf, a feat that held immense significance.
The momentum continued in the summer of 2022, as Argentina, still donning their iconic jerseys, took on the Euro title holders Italy in the Finalissima and emerged victorious. The crowning glory came in December 2022, exactly a year ago, when Argentina, with Messi as their talisman, triumphed over the World Cup title holders France in the World Cup final.
This series of victories, achieved over a span of just 1.5 years, was nothing short of spectacular. Messi, in the Argentina jersey, led his team to a treble of major titles, etching his name and that of his team in the annals of football history. This period marked an incredible high point in Messi’s illustrious career, as he donned the Argentina jersey with unparalleled pride and achievement.
Will we see Messi in Argentina jersey in Copa America 2024 in the USA? Check our content to find out: