An Angel Di Maria’s solitary goal was enough to end Argentina’s 28 years-long waits for a Copa America title as they defeated Brazil 1-0 in the final on Sunday morning at the Maracana Stadium in Rio..
The Paris Saint Germain (PSG) star, netted the only goal of the game in the 22nd minute with a beautiful lobbed ball past Brazil goalkeeper, Ederson.
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Di María’s goal was Argentina’s first shot on goal during the game, but what really stands out is that this was the first goal for La Albiceleste in a title match since their 4-1 defeat against Brazil in the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup
Brazil had multiple opportunities to score the equalizer, with a score by Richarlison called offsides in the 52nd minute. Minutes later, Richarlison had another chance when he sent a laser from short that Emiliano Martinez saved.
In all, Brazil had 13 shots to Argentina’s six and controlled possession for 60 percent of the match. It is also a big one for Lionel Messi as he wins his first major trophy for Argentina.
7 Comments
Messi finally has an international trophy! To think he almost retired from international football in frustration after the disappointment of the 2018 world cup, where they were bundled out by France in the second round. But he was talked out of retirement. And now, he finally has what he has been looking for all these years.
If healthy, he is likely to give the world cup one last try as well.
This trophy of a thing is just turning around,Argentina has not won it for years but they are the winner today,England struggled to win it for many years, they may be the winner today.in Africa Ghana has struggled to win it for years,if they win it next year,people will come against Nigeria forgetting things in life is turning around.
I am so happy for messi, the only player messi will allways respect is di maria, this guy got the only goal against naija at the olypic which was messi first big national trophy and now he has finaly done it again, i still believe that if d maria had played that wcup final messi and argentina for be world champion
I am so happy for Argentina and most especially Messi.
Messi tried trice to win the trophy but failed and he was frustrated and called it quite at the national team.
But destiny can never be changed. What will be will be. He effectually won the Copa America title in 2021.
123 occasions, he failed but the fourth one? He won it. God is great.
Hmmm. A big lesson for you and I.
Life is not easy but the most important thing is, never give up. Believe in God
and be prayerful, work hard and never relents because, life is a challenge.
Congratulations to Argentina, Messi and the entire team. God bless us all. Ire o. God bless Nigeria!!!
Di Maria is incredible and a silent achiever.
Top scorer = Messi
Best player = Messi
Winning captain = Messi
We might as well change the name of the 2021 Copa America to COPA MESSI.
But Messi will be sending thank you cards to all his team mates tomorrow. He did not have a great game in the final. His team mates stepped up big time. Indeed, no one tree makes a forest. Today, Messi needed help, and his team mates came through.
Now that La Pulga has finally checked this one last box of winning an international trophy, all the pressure is off.
This trophy was a gift from his team mates. He has always carried the team in the past. Today, his team mates said – “You know what, today we will carry you. We will give you something we know you want very badly. An international trophy”.
Now that Messi has this monkey off his back, watch out, the rest of the world! Messi will now be playing without pressure, just enjoying himself, doing what he is so good at.
Now, what if we qualify for the 2022 mundial, and the FIFA draws once again put us in the same group with Argentina? Hehehehe, we may have to launch a protest to CAS!
But seriously, maybe we should be ready to have one last dance with this great player. Let’s make it a memorable one, if it comes to pass.