Messi inspires Argentina to 3-0 Finalissima win over Italy
National team success is finally coming for the seven-time Ballon dOr winner, late in his trophy-filled club career.
Argentina's players celebrate with Lionel Messi, top, after winning the Finalissima match between Italy and Argentina at Wembley Stadium in London
Energized at Wembley by Lionel Messis assists, Argentinas players threw their superstar teammate in the air after he inspired them to a second title in a year.
National team success is finally coming for the seven-time Ballon dOr winner, late in his trophy-filled club career.
Argentina collected the first Finalissima trophy on Wednesday by beating Italy 3-0 in a meeting of the South American and European champions, with Messi having helped Argentina win the Copa America last July for his first major title with the national team.
And judging by the two assists on his record-extending 161st Argentina appearance, there is no sign of the 34-year-old Messi slowing down with the chance to win a first World Cup title later this year.
What we experienced here was beautiful, Messi said. We knew it was going to be a nice game and a nice setting in which to be champions.