Best soccer images of 2021: Messi’s joy, tears, then joy again

Best soccer images of 2021, As 2022 looms on the horizon, it’s a timely opportunity to pause for a moment, take stock, and look back at the past year.

Fortunately, Getty Images has completed its “Annual Review” and AFP has selected its “Images of the Year” collection, their respective picks of the best images captured over the course of 2021.

It was a year that, in the world of soccer, brought with it a delayed Eurocup and a Copa América, as well as one of the greatest transfer stories of all time.

There were very emotional events that brought fans around the world together, as well as split-second moments captured forever by some of the best sports photographers in the business.

Here are the best soccer images of 2021, selected by Getty and AFP, presented in chronological order.

June 12: Best soccer images of 2021

Christian Eriksen is protected by his Denmark teammates after collapsing during the Euro 2020 group stage match against Finland in Copenhagen. The midfielder suffered a cardiac arrest on the field and was rushed to hospital in the Danish capital, where he underwent emergency surgery that saved his life. Eriksen, 29, who has not played a game since left Inter Milan earlier this month after agreeing to terminate his contract.

June 13: Best soccer images of 2021

Roman Yaremchuk of Ukraine and Stefan de Vrij of the Netherlands get to know each other better during a fight for the ball during a Euro 2020 group match at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam.

July 10:

Lionel Messi is launched into the air by his Argentine teammates after inspiring his nation to victory in the Copa América. La Albiceleste beat rivals Brazil 1-0 in the final to claim their first major title since 1993 and present Messi with the first senior international trophy of his career.

July 11: Best soccer images of 2021

Italian defender Leonardo Bonucci lifts the Euro 2020 trophy after the Azzurri rallied against England to win the final at Wembley after a penalty shoot-out.

July 13:

Tributes are placed in front of a massive mural by Marcus Rashford after Manchester United forward’s hometown artwork Withington was attacked by vandals in the wake of England’s final Euro 2020 defeat. Rashford was one of three England players to miss penalties on penalties, and he, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka received racist abuse on social media after the match. The mural was repaired and in November Rashford received an MBE for his campaign to end child food poverty in the UK.

Aug. 8: Best soccer images of 2021

Messi is visibly overwhelmed with excitement during his farewell to Barcelona, wiping away tears as he reluctantly ended his 21-year association with the club when he failed to renew his contract.

Sept. 18: 

Club América fans are engulfed in bright yellow smoke as they await the arrival of the Toluca team bus outside the Nemesio Diez Stadium before a game of the Liga MX Torneo Apertura.