Barça’s new captain was a key player in Argentina’s victory in the 2008 Olympic Games held in Beijing. During the tournament, Leo Messi scored two goals; one against the Ivory Coast in the group stage and another against Holland in the quarter-finals, whilst Ángel Di Maria scored the winner in the final. Wearing the No.15, since the No.10 was Riquelme’s, Messi was the star of an Argentina side that retained the title after the 2004 squad had been successful in Athens.
Very few players get to play at the Olympic Games, hence why Messi is particularly proud of his gold medal.
Two gold medals in the squad
Apart from Messi, Rafinha also won gold, this time at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Rafinha came on in the 95th minute of Brazil’s game against Germany, and scored one of the penalties which helped the Seleção secure the title.
