Leo Messi has left the Copa America with the bittersweetness of earning the third spot and the second red card of his professional career. Another tough blow for the Argentina, who already suffered his fair share after the disappointing end to his season with Barcelona.
It's been almost a year since Leo Messi spoke about the season's objective in the center of the Camp Nou, referring to the Champions League trophy as the "pretty cup". It's a contrasting image to the one that was witnessed in the Corinthians Arena, where he was seen looking straight down after being expelled. His football season was extended with the Copa America, but it brought three huge disappointments for the Argentinian in it's final stretch.
It's been exactly two months: from 7 May to 7 July, from Anfield to Sao Paulo. Two times Messi came out with a red face, albeit under very different circumstances. Two months ago not even Messi himself could have expected such a sudden and crushing defeat. Especially after a 3-0 victory in the first leg of that semi-final.
But Barça, despite Messi being at his best and providing his usual goals, was dismembered by Liverpool in a night that has already become Champions League history. The player's face when leaving the stadium said it all, and some newspapers even published that he cried heartbroken in the locker room. One more season, and this time when the final was actually close, where the Argentine had to bid the Champions League farewell.
Barcelona's spirit 'died' that night and with it Messi. Not even the Copa del Rey prize that appeared on the horizon relaunched the morale. There was no gasoline or mentality to face that match, against a Valencia that came in to win. Messi scored in the final, but it was too late. Marcelino's men left Barcelona without another title and licking their large wounds.
Messi was left with the Copa America, which came as yet another opportunity to achieve something big with the 'Albiceleste'. As always, Argentina were favourites for the title, although doubts about Scaloni's call-up were worrying some. Without a stellar Messi, Argentina went on to reach the semi-finals. Brazil, the hosts, and big favourites, were waiting.
The hosts won in a game full of controversy. Messi's reaction to the press was very unlike him, as his tone and complaints were out of the ordinary for a player who is known for keeping quiet. His comments about the CONMEBOL caused controversy, and he went to the hotel with one last duty to fulfill: to fight for third place. His time won the clash, but not without yet another disappointment: the second red card of his entire career. Two months that will no doubt be ones to forget for the superstar.