Leo Messi wins First Senior International Trophy with Argentina.
Barca living legend Leo Messi beat Brazil 1-0 in Saturday’s Copa America final to secure the national team’s first title in 28 years and the superstar’s first major international trophy for the Argentina senior team.
After the match ended with a win for Argentina, a tearful Messi was thrown into the air by some of his joyous teammates at the Maracana Stadium.
Argentina’s winning goal at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro came in the 22nd minute after Rodrigo de Paul made a long pass to Ángel di Maria. The 33-year-old veteran striker counted on some sloppy defending from left-back Renan Lodi to take control and lob it past goalkeeper Ederson.
It was only the third goal Brazil conceded in the tournament. Neymar tried hard with dribbles and passes, but the Selecao barely threatened Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. The team of coach Tite had won their previous five matches in the Copa America and scored goals in all of them.
Messi’s performance in the final was not as impressive as in previous matches of the tournament, during which he scored four goals and had five assists. He had a clear opportunity in the 88th minute, tried to dribble Ederson, but the Brazilian goalkeeper stopped him.
However, the title gives the superstar some relief after all the questions throughout his career on his effectiveness playing for the national team.
What a moment in a lifetime for the Argentina and Barcelona legend.
