Lionel Messi Equals Cristiano Ronaldo’s International Trophies Record With Finalissima Victory

• Lionel Messi led Argentina to victory in the inaugural edition of the Finalissima which saw him match Cristiano Ronaldo’s international trophies haul
• Both Messi and Ronaldo have now won two trophies a piece with their more than decade-long rivalry set to carry on to the FIFA World Cup later this year
• Messi has won the Copa America before while Ronaldo has the Euros championships and the UEFA Nations League

Lionel Messi equalled Cristiano Ronaldo’s international trophies record with his Finalissima triumph with Argentina.

Messi was the star of the show as he dominated proceedings against Italy to deservedly win the man of the match award.

Argentina beat Italy 3-0 at the Wembley Stadium in England to win the inaugural trophy competed between the winners of the Copa America in South America and the UEFA Euro championships.

A close-range finish from Lautaro Martinez, a delicious chip from Angel DI Maria and a late far-post curler from Paulo Dybala saw Argentina sweep aside an Italy side that looked out of sorts. Messi bagged two assists in the rout.

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The win saw Messi win his second trophy with his national side in one year. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner was also the toast of the show when he led his side to win the Copa America last year.

This means he has now drawn level with his nemesis, Cristiano Ronaldo, on two international trophies a piece. Ronaldo won his first with Portugal in 2016 when they shocked huge favourites France to win the Euros. He then won the inaugural final of the UEFA Nations League in 2019.

The two great players will now get ready to take another stab at the World Cup in Qatar. Both have previously failed to lead their nations to World Cup victory, with Messi coming close in 2014.

Argentina reached the finals that were hosted in Brazil but a Mario Götze strike in extra-time saw Germany beat the Albiceleste.

Messi will face Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland while Ronaldo will take on Uruguay, Ghana and South Korea in group stage action.

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Messi greets Italy players before Finalissima final

Sports Brief earlier reported that an awesome video had been spotted on social media where Paris Saint-Germain forward Lionel Messi was spotted greeting and hugging Italy players ahead of inaugural Finalissima.

The inaugural Finalissima also known as the UEFA Cup of Champions will be played on Wednesday evening, 1 June, between Argentina and Italy.

Lionel Messi and his teammates in the Argentina national team are the South American champions, while Italy are the reigning champions of Europe.