By Isaac Akugizibwe

From Buenos Aires to Rome, euphoria from a weekend of glory continues.

Italy won their second Euro title after defeating England 3-2 on penalties, while Argentina won their first Copa America title since 1993.

It was relief for Lionel Messi after the football maestro won his first major title with the national team, with many of his fans proclaiming him the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time) after the win. 

For Messi, winning his first-ever major trophy with his country puts him in pole position to end the debate of who is actually the greatest of at least the 21st century, if he can't make it to the all-time throne which many still keep with Brazilian great Pele.

Despite failing to score in the final with only a keeper to beat, something rare of him, Lionel Messi still holds the credit for lifting Argentina to a major continental victory in 28 years with his four goals and five assists in the tournament.  

Many Messi fans now think that a World Cup title in Qatar in 2022 will seal the GOAT debate in his favour, forever.

After losing to Germany in the 2014 World Cup final in Brazil and falling at the final hurdle in the Copa America on three occasions, Messi and his teammates' persistence and hard work finally paid off.

Just hours after Argentina's triumph, the Latin half of Europe went blazing with excitement with proclamations of “football has come Rome” in taunts of the English “Football is Coming Home” slogan.

The Italians needed a heroic penalty saviour from a young gladiator in Gianluigi Donaruma, who saved from Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka in the shootout.

England's 55-year-old wait for a major continental trophy goes on while the Italians can now reclaim their place at the helm of European football.
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Photo: BBC