Fans were quick to share their thoughts on social media after spotting Joao Felix, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal teammate, at the 2024 Copa America final, where Lionel Messi’s Argentina emerged victorious. The final, held on July 14 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, saw La Albiceleste secure a 1-0 win over Colombia.
Joao Felix recently faced severe backlash for being the only player to miss a penalty in Portugal’s quarter-final match against France in Euro 2024. This miss contributed to Portugal’s 5-4 defeat in the penalty shootout, resulting in their exit from the tournament.
Football enthusiasts on X interpreted Joao Felix’s attendance at the Copa America final as a sign of his support for Lionel Messi, leading to a flurry of jokes and comments directed at the Portuguese forward. Here are some of their reactions:
“After failing his own country. He’s probably the most hated guy in Portugal right now. Guy is a Messi fan for sure.”
“He’s the biggest messi fan boy.”
“Lmao this is what you call a double agent. Have to respect it,” chimed in another fan.
“Legend.”
“He came to witness the signs and wonders of the magical Messi,” posted another.
“Missing the only penalty that gets your team knocked out of the EUROs, then going to America and getting the GOAT injured is nasty work. Football hasn’t seen a bigger jinx than this guy.”
“That must have been an incredible experience for Joao Felix! Witnessing Messi and Argentina clinch the Copa America at the Hard Rock Stadium is a memory he won’t forget.”
Lionel Messi won his second Copa America title with Argentina on Sunday, with the first one coming in 2021.
Pedro Mendes envisions a ‘dream’ finale to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s careers.
The ex-Portugal midfielder, Pedro Mendes, shared his thoughts on a perfect scenario where Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo would finish their careers at the same club. Despite this ideal vision, the former Porto player acknowledged that it’s unlikely to occur.
During an interview with BoyleSports, Mendes expressed his views (via GOAL):
“If Cristiano Ronaldo joined Inter Miami it would be amazing for the fans and incredible for football in America. It would mean that the two best players in the history and future of football, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi would finish their careers together which would be a dream come true. However, I can’t see it happening. It would be very difficult.”
Lionel Messi has also bagged the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions with Argentina.
