Football legend Lionel Messi, who usually never sings the national anthem before the start of matches while playing for his national team Argentina, was seen singing the national anthem before the start Copa America 2019 quater-final Argentina vs Venezuela match. The Barcelona forward sang the national anthem when both the teams lined up at Maracanã stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, before the start of quater-final tie. Copa America 2019, Results & Highlights: Argentina Beat Venezuela by 2-0, Will Face Brazil in Semi-Finals

After the match, the 32-year-old footballer was asked by a reporter why he sang the anthem this time. To this, he replied, “Today I wanted to sing the anthem, and well, I sang it!” The video was shared on Instagram. Have a look.

Passionate Messi

Messi usually does not sing the national anthem which was revealed recently. Due to this, the Argentina captain faced criticisms by many fans and his critics, who alleged that it shows a lack of passion.

Meanwhile, Argentina defeated Venezuela 2-0 in the ongoing Copa America 2019. Lautaro Martínez and Giovani Lo Celso scored a goal at 10th and 74th minute of the game, to hand a comfortable victory to Argentina.  The South American nation will now face Brazil in semi-final on July 3, 2019.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 29, 2019 11:11 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).