‘Leo’, the captain: Messi’s emotional harangue in the 2021 Copa América final

So many times criticized, so many times beaten, but finally redeemed. The way of Leo Messiand in general of the Argentine national teamto finally be crowned with a title after 28 years of drought has not been easy: 1 World Cup final, 4 Copa América finals and 2 Confederations Cup finals.

Rumors of a ‘weak’ or ‘silent’ leadership that Messi exercised over his teammates (in Argentina or Barcelona) were present throughout the player’s career. However, in recent times his own colleagues tried to demystify that role that was attributed to him, but we did not have material to prove it. So many of the fans were left with the image of a lackadaisical Messi without personality. Until now.

On the occasion of the start of the World Cup and commemorating that 2021 Copa América, Netflix will release a documentary about the journey of the Argentine team in Brazil. Through a promotional video that the same streaming company shared, we can witness Messi’s harangue just moments before playing the final against Brazil.

“Forty-five days without seeing our family. Dibu was a father and he couldn’t see his daughter, he couldn’t make her ‘upa’, just like Chino. We are only one step away and it is up to us to win this Cup. We are going to go out and we are going to win to take it with our families, friends, the people who always supported us” the Argentine star is heard saying.

“You know what? This Cup had to be played in Argentina and God brought it here. God brought her here so that we can raise her up in the Maracana, boys, to make it more beautiful for everyone. So let’s go out confident and calm that we are going to take this one home” concluded Messi, followed by the harangue of those who would be champions of America.