Lionel Messi has won 45 medals, which is more than any other football player ever. A tribute was paid to his leader by his team, Inter Miami, on July 21, before their 2-1 win over Chicago Fire. Messi watched from the stands because he was hurt, but Miami grew their lead in the MLS Eastern Conference.
After beating Colombia 1-0 in the Copa America 2024 final, Lionel Messi won his 45th career title, making him the most successful player of all time. Messi’s huge accomplishment was celebrated by Inter Miami by holding a special salute for him before their MLS game against the Chicago Fire.
The 37-year-old player hurt his ankle joint in the final, which made him cry. But Lautaro Martinez scored the game-winning goal in the 112th minute, saving his team. Since then, Messi has been out with an ankle injury for good, but he was seen wearing a brace at an emotional farewell that Inter Miami had planned.
Messi won his fourth international title with Argentina. They had failed to win the 2014 FIFA World Cup final, the 2015 and 2016 Copa America finals, and this one. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was in for a treat when he got to the pitch. In the middle of the pitch, children dressed as mascots were holding plaque cards with pictures of all the awards he had won.
On the centre circle, the number 45 was raised, and co-owner Jorge Mas gave Messi a special gift for the moment.
The Argentine seems to have brought good luck back from international service with him, as the Herons won both games he watched from the stands and moved to the top of the MLS’s Eastern Conference standings. Two goals in the second half by Matias Rojas and Jordi Alba helped Inter Miami beat Chicago 2-1. They had already won 3-1 against Toronto.
As they try to win their first MLS Cup, the Herons have opened up a five-point lead over Cincinnati.
Messi, on the other hand, will be out for an unknown amount of time. Coach Tata Martino recently hinted that the 37-year-old will not be put at risk and will only play again after fully recovering from his injury.