Actualizado 10/09/2021 - 11:50

Lionel Messi couldn't hold back his tears after Argentina finally had the chance to lift the Copa America trophy in front of the 17,000 Argentine fans who attended their 2022 World Cup qualifier against Bolivia at the Estadio Monumental.

Back in summer, the Paris Saint-Germain forward led Argentina all the way to Copa America glory after beating Brazil at the Estadio Maracana to lift his first-ever trophy with the Albiceleste.

"This is something that I looked for a long time ago," Messi said after netting a hat-trick in Argentina's 3-0 victory over Bolivia.

"I dreamed of it and thank God it was given to me. It is a unique moment because of how it happened and where it happened.

"After waiting for so long, there is no better way to be a champion and to be here celebrating it with my dad and my brothers, who are in the stands. I'm very happy.

"This is what I had always dreamed of and it was given to me. For my family who are watching me and for all Argentines.

"The truth is that I am very excited. My mother and my brothers are at the stands. They suffered a lot too."

Messi set a new record of the most goals scored by a player representing a South American national team (79) after overtaking Brazil legend Pele (77).

"The truth is that I always say [that] individual awards are secondary, because we are here for something else," noted Messi.