Captain America’s Groot Moment Shows His Biggest Difference To Iron Man

Captain America meeting Teenage Groot in Avengers: Infinity War highlights his biggest difference to Iron Man. Earth's Mightiest Heroes leaders couldn't be any more different from each other both in terms of perspective and superhero arcs. This was why they often clashed when discussing how to tackle the Avengers' collective issues. But there's also one other difference between the heroes that is barely discussed and it's emphasized in one of the funniest moments from Infinity War.

Joe and Anthony Russo's 2018 MCU blockbuster started the culmination of the Infinity Saga as Thanos actively sought the six Infinity Stones. With that, all pockets of the MCU come together in an effort to stop the Mad Titan's nefarious plans with the Avengers meeting their cosmic counterparts, the Guardians of the Galaxy for the first time. After Thor, Rocket Raccoon, and Teenage Groot successfully accomplished their goal of acquiring the Stormbreaker in Nidavellir, they made their way to Wakanda which was where the final battle took place. There, the God of Thunder reunited with his fellow Avengers, while his new Guardians of the Galaxy allies met some of Earth's Mightiest Heroes.

Thor's entrance in Wakanda was one of the most exhilarating moments in Infinity War. While his return to Earth was amidst one of the most intense battles in the planet's history, the Russos still found the opportunity to include small but memorable character moments. That includes the initial interaction between Groot and Captain America. As the sentient tree creature's vocabulary is limited to the phrase "I am Groot," the super-soldier mistakenly took this as the alien's way of introducing himself and in response, he said, "I am Steve Rogers." This moment was mostly made for laughs, but it subtly reveals that despite being more well known by his superhero persona, Captain America, Steve still primarily associated himself with his original identity; hence why when he introduced himself, he used his real name.

Tony saying "And I am Iron-Man" before snapping his fingers in Avengers: Endgame

On the flip side, Tony Stark opted to lean more on his superhero alter-ego. In his final stand against Thanos in Avengers: Endgame, he declared: "I am Iron Man" just before he snapped his fingers and sacrificed himself for the cause. While this moment harkened back to his franchise-defining moment in 2008's Iron Man, narratively, Tony also associated himself with his Iron Man persona more than his real identity. This makes sense because being Tony Stark came with baggage from his past life that includes war-profiteering among others. Becoming Iron Man was almost a rebirth for the character; it gave him the chance to make up for his mistakes as Tony, the selfish, billionaire who couldn't care about anyone else. As he realized the error of his ways, he wanted to be remembered more as Iron Man because he did more good than Tony Stark.

Through the years that they were together in the MCU, Iron Man and Captain America have had many conflicts. But in the end, they always found a way to set aside their differences for the greater good. While their relationship was complicated for the most part, it's clear that they treated each other more than just being fellow Avenger members. Having them separated in Avengers: Infinity War might very well the reason why they failed to stop Thanos. But amidst their differences, what's clear is that both of them were committed to their responsibility as Earth's Mightiest Heroes.

More: Thor 4: Why Chris Hemsworth's New Look Is The Opposite Of Endgame's Fat Thor