The defeat to Brazil in the 2019 Copa América was the turning point in Lionel Messi's story with the Argentina national team, according to a report by Globo Esporte. Messi bid farewell to the Albiceleste this Monday as a historic idol, carrying trophies that once seemed distant.
The forward even considered leaving the national team after a sequence of frustrations. He was runner-up in the 2014 World Cup and lost two consecutive Copa América finals, in 2015 and 2016. A large portion of the Argentine fanbase held a grudge, thinking Messi was 'too cold' with the national team shirt while he dominated with Barcelona.
What changed after the match against Brazil?
The 2019 Copa América semifinal at the Mineirão changed everything. Brazil won 2-0 and ended Argentina's dream of winning a title in that edition. Messi took that defeat differently. A new Messi, more vibrant and more of a leader, emerged after that match.
In the following match, for the third-place playoff against Chile at the Neo Química Arena, there was a heated argument between Messi and Chile's Gary Medel. The argument resulted in both being sent off in the first half. Argentina was already winning 2-0 with goals from Agüero and Dybala.
How did Messi win his titles with Argentina?
The turnaround materialized in 2021. Messi won his first title with Argentina's senior team precisely against Brazil, with a 1-0 victory at the Maracanã in the Copa América final. The following year, in 2022, he lifted the World Cup in Qatar, ending Argentina's 36-year wait for the trophy.
During the campaign in Qatar, Messi revealed his more 'Argentine' side. This was especially clear in the quarter-finals against the Netherlands. The phrase 'What are you looking at, fool?', said by Messi to Wout Weghorst after the penalty shootout victory, became famous. He also won the Finalissima against Italy in 2022.
What was Messi's last title with Argentina?
In 2024, Messi won his last title with Argentina, the Copa América held in the United States. During the tournament, he was substituted due to injury and was seen crying on the bench. A goal from Lautaro Martínez in extra time secured the trophy.
That same year, Messi had another high-level World Cup, reaching his third final. Spain, however, prevented the ultimate consecration at the 2024 World Cup. Ten years after losing the 2016 Copa América, Messi said goodbye to the Argentine national team again, but now with a sense of duty fulfilled.
What is the current context of the Brazil national team?
While this chapter of the rivalry is remembered, the Brazil national team remains focused on the present. The team occupies first place in the 2026 World Cup group stage, with 7 points from 3 matches. The record is 2 wins, 1 draw, and no losses, with a recent sequence of results LWWWD.
The Brazilian attack has scored 7 goals and conceded only 1, ensuring a positive goal difference of +6. The last result was a 2-1 defeat to Norway on July 5, 2026. The team's recent form over the last five matches is 4 wins and 1 loss (LWWWW). The team's next fixture is scheduled for September 25, 2026, against Australia, away from home. Full details of the campaign can be followed on our standings page and the match schedule is available on the fixtures calendar.
