Lionel Messi’s Argentina win the Copa America, defeat Brazil 1-0

A 28-year drought for Argentina came to an end when the final whistle echoed in the Maracanã Stadium in Rio De Janerio. Lionel Messi and company defeated Brazil 1-0 in the final to win the Copa America. 

It was a cold finish by winger Angel Di Maria that gave Argentina a first-half lead. The Argentine, assisted beautifully by De Paul, managed to run clear of the Brazilian defense and lob the ball over Ederson. 

Also read: Copa America: The final stone for Lionel Messi’s infinity gauntlet

For Argentine talisman Lionel Messi, this win put an end to a 16-year wait as he won his first major senior title in national colours. This victory also ends Brazil’s unbeaten home record that stretched back more than 2,500 days.

The Sky Blues last won the Copa America title in 1993, beating Mexico 2-1 in the final. The 2019 edition was won by Brazil when the five-time world champions beat Peru 3-1.

Also read: Copa America: With goal in final, Di Maria buries ghosts of 2014 World Cup

The Brazilian defense looked clueless for the first 45 minutes when Argentina’s attackers pressed hard and managed to penetrate. Neyman Jr was kept far from any chances at the goal by Argentina’s defense line led by Otamendi. 

Lionel Messi finished as Copa America 2020’s highest goal-scorer with four strikes against his name. The 33-year-old also topped the assist charts with five of them. He did not score in the final. Messi could’ve wrapped up the game with two minutes left on the clock but he slipped when clean through with only Ederson to beat.

Thousands of fans attended the final after the Copa America organisers were allowed to invite them. However, a negative COVID-19 report was mandatory.