Finally...Argentina

Superstar Lionel Messi experiences maiden title for his country who end their 28-year trophy drought by beating Brazil 1-0 in Copa America final

Superstar Lionel Messi won his first trophy with his national team as Angel Di Maria’s goal gave Argentina a 1-0 win over hosts Brazil in the Copa America final on Saturday. 

The victory at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana stadium ended Argentina’s 28-year wait for a major trophy, and also ended Brazil’s unbeaten home record that stretched back more than 2,500 days. 

‘Great title’

Argentina had last tasted success at a major tournament in 1993 when the great Gabriel Batistuta’s brace gave them a 2-1 win over Mexico in the Copa final in Ecuador. “It’s a great title, especially for our people. The fans support the team unconditionally. I think they can identify with this team that never gives in,” said Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni. 

It was the first time in six editions playing at home that Brazil had failed to lift the trophy. And while 34-year-old Messi’s odyssey has come to an end, Brazil’s Neymar, five years his junior, is still without a major title at international level having missed the Selecao’s win on home soil two years ago through injury. 
Argentina edged a brutal and fractious affair thanks to Di Maria’s goal on 22 minutes. The 33-year-old winger ran onto Rodrigo De Paul’s sumptuous through ball to lob Brazil goalkeeper Ederson with a first time finish. 

Messi could have wrapped up the win two minutes from time but slipped when clean through with only Ederson to beat. “We have to be big enough to recognise [the defeat] regardless of how painful and difficult it is,” said Brazil coach Tite.

In a frantic start, Argentina’s burly enforcer Nicolas Otamendi was quickly in with his first foul while Brazilian midfielder Fred picked up the first booking after just three minutes for a studs up lunge at Gonzalo Montiel. Brazil were unchanged from their semi-final win over Peru while Scaloni made five alterations, notably bringing in Di Maria—who made an energetic and decisive entry off the bench against Colombia last time out. 

First chance

The first clear chance came on 13 minutes as Richarlison headed down Marquinhos’s long ball into the path of Neymar but the Brazilian star was crowded out by a pair of defenders. The brutal nature of the early challenges could be seen on the players’ kits, with Neymar sporting ripped shorts and Lucas Paqueta being left with a hole in his sock following an intervention by Otamendi. Argentina played with aggression and commitment, but no lack of quality with Di Maria tormenting Brazil.

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No. of goals scored by Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Colombia’s Luis Díaz to finish as Copa America’s top scorers

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