'Messi wins maiden international trophy' - What is the Argentine's track record in finals of knock-out competitions?

Lionel Messi finally tastes success in international football as Argentina beat Brazil 1-0 in the final of Copa America 2021 to win an international trophy after a gap of 28 years.

Messi was on song in the ongoing Copa America and won the Golden Boot award as well as the Best Player of the tournament. The FC Barcelona legend scored four goals in seven appearances.

Not just goals but he has also provided five assists which takes his contribution to nine goals out of the 13 Argentina has scored in the tournament.

While little magician has been nothing short of a phenomenon in club football for FC Barcelona, success continued to elude him when it comes to international football.

At the age of 34, Messi received one more opportunity to add an international title to his decorated trophy cabinet and he seized the opportunity.

Here, we take a look at the track record of Lionel Messi in the finals of club and international tournaments.

What is Messi's record in the final of major international tournaments?

The Argentina superstar has never won a senior international tournament so far in his career before Sunday's win ovr Brazil. He came close to glory on three occasions in the last decade, twice in Copa America and once in the World Cup but missed out on winning by a whisker.

However, he is yet to score a goal in the final of a major international tournament though he did have a golden chance to do so against Brazil on Sunday, with Ederson thwarting him. 

What is Messi's record in the final of major club tournaments?

When it comes to club football, his record is second to none. The former FC Barcelona skipper has played in 17 finals of major tournaments and has lost only on three occasions. 

Out of the 17 finals, he has played, Messi has scored in 13 of those matches.