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“I will never forget, I have that video and I will keep it” - Juan Quintero speaks up on special viral moment with Lionel Messi in Copa America

Colombia midfielder Juan Quintero has opened up on Lionel Messi's selfless gesture at the end of the Copa America 2024 final. La Pulga picked up his 45th title that night, and in the process became the footballer with the most silverware in history.

The 37-year-old picked up an injury during the final and had to be substituted after the break. That image of him crying on the bench broke the hearts of fans around the globe.

However, Lionel Messi soon had a reason to cheer as Lautaro Martinez scored the only goal of the game to seal the title. As La Albiceleste celebrated after the game, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner noticed Quintero crying and went to comfort him.

Speaking about the incident to Argentine Twitch streamer Coscu, the 31-year-old insisted that he would preserve that moment all his life.

“I met him at Copa America 2024. Something very peculiar happened. We lost the final, I was very sad and Messi was about 10 metres away. He looked at me and I was embarrassed, I was crying and with the head down. I saw seconds later that he was approaching me, I was shocked," said Quintero.

He continued:

“He showed me his greatness, that respect, he hugged me and said ‘congratulations, keep your head up’, and it was a moment I will never forget. I have that video and I will keep it forever, it was a beautiful moment."

Television cameras missed Lionel Messi's selfless act at the time, but it was picked up by a fan. The video made its way to Quintero, who shared it on his social media.

This is not the first time that the Argentinean maestro's bigheartedness has come to the fore. It is a common notion that La Pulga is a gifted footballer as well as a wonderful human being.


How many goals has Lionel Messi scored for Argentina?

Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi is Argentina's record goalscorer, with 112 goals and 58 assists from 191 games across competitions. The six-time European Golden Shoe winner has won two Copa America titles, one Finalissima trophy, and the FIFA World Cup with La Albiceleste.

La Pulga's first senior trophy with his nation was the 2021 Copa America. The diminutive magician went on to lift the Finalissima the following year. Messi fulfilled his legacy at the end of 2022 by guiding the South American nation to their third World Cup title.

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