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September 23, 2019: Milan, Italy – Lionel Messi the Best Fifa Mens Player and Megan Rapinoe the Best Fifa Womens Player during The Best FIFA Football Awards 2019 at the Teatro alla Scala, on September 23, 2019 in Milan, Italy, Milan Italy – ZUMAs248 20190923_zsa_s248_011 Copyright: xDanielaxPorcellix
via Imago
September 23, 2019: Milan, Italy – Lionel Messi the Best Fifa Mens Player and Megan Rapinoe the Best Fifa Womens Player during The Best FIFA Football Awards 2019 at the Teatro alla Scala, on September 23, 2019 in Milan, Italy, Milan Italy – ZUMAs248 20190923_zsa_s248_011 Copyright: xDanielaxPorcellix
Lionel Messi is one of the greatest footballers of all time. The Argentine is living his life to the fullest after lifting the World Cup back in December. The little magician has completed his trophy cabinet and will now be looking to win something on the domestic front with PSG.
Today, things are looking good for him, but there was a time when the striker had a dark time in his career. Back in the day, Messi may have won a lot with his boyhood club, Barcelona. He even won many accolades and outdone himself in individual records.
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However, there was something more that La Pulga dreamed of; winning a trophy with Argentina. Before 2019, things were not as good as they look today on the international front.
2016 was that year when the Argentina fans weren’t expecting it to happen. Lionel Messi took a decision that shook the whole world of soccer, taking retirement from international football. Nevertheless, he soon came back from retirement and the rest is history.
Rapinoe was in awe of Lionel Messi
Back in 2016, Copa America Centenario was being held in the United States. Argentina was off to a flying start after winning the group-stage matches against Chile and Panama.
Just like all soccer enthusiasts, Megan Rapinoe was also witnessing the final group stage match between Argentina and Bolivia. Messi was however rested in this one but later came off the bench in the second half. And when the No. 10. came onto the pitch, Megan posted a photo on her Instagram.
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The caption read: “Argentina v. Bolivia / Century Link / Seattle / BE YOUR BEST YOU MESSI /.”
Other than showing support for the Argentine, Megan was promoting her brand, “The Rapinoe Brand.”
Megan Rapinoe 🗣
"The thing we're fighting for the most is equal investment, equal opportunity, equal funding and resources put towards the team. We understand that it is not fair for me to be asking for the same as Messi. We understand that it's not the reality." pic.twitter.com/1pADgp28IH
— Footy Accumulators (@FootyAccums) April 12, 2021
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Rapinoe Brand was a business that she ran with her twin sister, Rachael Rapinoe. Besides selling merchandise and sports apparel, Rapinoe FC also ran a youth soccer clinic. Hence, on her sports apparel, it had a printed quote, “Be your best you.” It was indeed a smart move from the USWNT forward.
In the end, Argentina clinched an easy 3-0 victory against Bolivia, without any help from the master himself. La Albiceleste may have reached the finals, but were unlucky as they lost against their fellow groupmates Chile on penalties. And the seven-time Balon d’Or winner missed the penalty.
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WATCH THIS STORY: LeBron James, James Harden, Trae Young, and other NBA stars give Lionel Messi his flowers after Argentina’s FIFA World Cup Win
