Lionel
Messi ended a grueling wait for a first international trophy with Argentina on
Saturday, when ‘La Albiceleste’ defeated Brazil in the Copa America final to be
crowned South American champions for the first time since 1993. It was also
Argentina’s first major title in 28 years, as one of the world’s biggest
footballing nations lost four major finals in that period.

Messi has dedicated the triumph to his family, friends, the entire country
and his late idol – Diego Maradona.

Also Read | Watch: Copa America winner Lionel Messi video calls family from field

“It was an
incredible Copa America. We know that we can still improve a lot of things, but
the truth is that the guys gave it everything and I can’t be prouder to have
the luck of being captain of this spectacular group,” the six-time Ballon d’Or
winner said in a post on Instagram

“I want to
dedicate this success to my family, who have always given me the strength to
continue, to my friends whom I love so much, to all the people who support us
and above all to 45 million Argentinians who have suffered so with this
dreadful virus.”

Also Read | Messi ditches celebrations to console Neymar post Copa America win. Watch

Argentina’s
COVID-19 death toll is approaching the 100,000-mark, with the country having refused
to co-host the Copa America with Colombia due to a surge in infections. CONMEBOL,
the South American football body, ultimately gave the hosting rights to Brazil,
which lost the tournament as hosts for the first time.

The ‘Selecao’
also lost at the iconic Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, the venue for the 2014
World Cup final, for the first time since 1950.

Messi paid
tribute to Maradona, who led Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986. “This is…for Diego, who surely was supporting us from wherever he is. In order to continue celebrating we have to continue taking care of ourselves. Let’s not forget that there is still a long way to go to return to normality and I hope we can take advantage of this happiness to gain a little strength to fight the virus together.”

Maradona died at the age of 60 in November last year. 

Argentina are now the joint-most successful side in Copa America history with Uruguay, having won 15 titles. Brazil are third on the list with nine wins.