After many heart-breaking setbacks, Lionel Messi ended his international hoodoo last month by leading Argentina to Copa America success.
Seeing Lionel Messi win a first major title in last month’s Copa America final left Ronaldinho delighted for his former teammate.
Despite his many club honors, a FIFA U-20 World Cup title in 2005, and an Olympic gold medal in 2008, Messi had never won a major international honor with the Argentina senior team beforehand.
The 34-year-old had come agonizingly close in the past, having lost four finals – three in the Copa America (2007, 2015, 2016) and once in the World Cup (2014). In fact, he almost retired from international football after his last Copa America final defeat in 2016 to Chile.
But all that changed last month when Messi led Argentina to a 1-0 win over Brazil in the 2021 Copa America final.
“I was sad for Brazil, but happy for Leo,” Ronaldinho told Ibai Llanos on Twitch.
“He had to win something with the national team and it made me very happy. I have a good relationship with him still and we talk whenever we get the chance.”
The 41-year-old, who officially retired in 2018, had a magnificent career of his own. He played for some of the biggest clubs in Europe – Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, and AC Milan – and thrilled supporters worldwide with his talents.
When asked what is the best memory of his career, Ronaldinho replied: “It’s hard to choose just one moment.
“When I have a ball, I’m happy. I’ve had beautiful memories at all of the clubs I’ve played for, I can’t choose one.”
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