Lionel Messi has fulfilled his destiny.
Just as his magnificent Barcelona career came to a close, he turned his attention to Argentina, knowing there was one thing left for him to do.
For anyone who ever doubted Messi’s desire to win for his country, La Pulga was going to set the record straight, and make them kings again.
First of South America, and then, the world.
In 2021, he took down Brazil, and friend Neymar, at the Copa America, finally making good on bringing silverware home.
But that wasn’t enough.
After marching through World Cup qualifying, and defeating reigning European champions Italy at the 2022 Finalissima, belief was spreading, and pressure was building, for Messi to deliver the big one in Qatar.