Lionel Messi has the most medals in football history, but does he have an Olympic gold medal?
Lionel Messi just won his 45th title this summer as Argentina defeated Colombia in the final of Copa America 2024. Even at the age of 37, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner continues his legacy as one of the greatest footballers ever all who have ever been. Just two years earlier, Argentina led La Albiceleste to their third World Cup.
After waiting almost his entire career to win a major title for his country, Messi has now won three in as many years. There is one achievement for Argentina, which is largely overlooked when it comes to Messi’s trophy cabinet, and it came 16 years ago.
Yes, Lionel Messi won an Olympic gold medal. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner claimed the big prize at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, recording his first real success for Argentina.
Messi was only 21 years old when he competed in his first and only Olympic Games, but he amazingly helped lead his team to gold. La Albiceleste did not lose a single game in the competition, collecting nine points from the group stage before progressing to the knockout round.
With teammates like Angel Di Maria and Sergio Aguero, Messi didn’t need to be the hero, but he still contributed to Argentina’s run; the forward scored two goals, one in the group stage and the opener in the quarter-finals.
Argentina defeated Nigeria 1-0 in the gold medal game to bring home La Albiceleste’s second gold medal. In fact, the 2008 victory was the last time Argentina won gold in men’s soccer at the Olympics.
La Albiceleste are one of the favorites in men’s football, however, for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, but without their captain in the lineup, a group of young players will have to write their own history.
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