Lionel Messi’s wait for an international trophy is finally over after Argentina defeated Brazil 1 – 0 at the Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro to win the 2021 Copa América on Sunday morning, July 11
Angel Di Maria scored the only goal of the game with a fine lob in the first half after several chances. The PSG star received a long pass from the impressive Rodrigo De Paul, which he converted.
The win also ended Argentina’s 28-year wait for a major trophy, and Brazil’s unbeaten home record that stretched back more than 2,500 days. The victory was also Argentina’s 15th Copa America triumph and means they draw level with Uruguay as the all-time leading winners.
For Brazil, it was the first time in 6 editions that they failed to lift the trophy. ‘I can’t cry yet,’ Di Maria said after the match.
‘We dreamed of getting this, and we fought. Many people criticized us and asked us not to come back (to the national team).’
Messi, 34, dropped to the ground in joy at the full-time whistle and was swiftly mobbed by his team-mates, before being hurled in the air in celebration, as he finally claimed top-level honours with his country in his 10th major tournament.
Messi had a chance to sign off the win but slipped with the goal at his mercy, in what would have been the perfect finale for the Argentine captain.
Defending champions Brazil were disappointing, with their only chances of note coming when Richarlison and Gabriel Barbosa forced saves from Emi Martinez.