Lionel Messi dazzled a packed Wembley crowd as Argentina beat Italy 3-0 to win the Finalissima – a contest between the champions of Europe and South America.
Ironically, the last La Finallisima holder was another Argentine number 10- Diego Maradona.
This win now means Lionel Messi, so long starved of success for his country, has now won two international trophies in 11 months.
Messi’s run and cross set up the opener for Lautaro Martinez, who then turned provider for Di Maria to chip a second.
Substitute Paulo Dybala rounded off a handsome win in injury time.
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The contest is the first between the two continental champions in 29 years.
It is a revival of the Artemio Franchi Cup, competed for twice before – in 1985, when France beat Uruguay and in 1993, when Argentina beat Denmark on penalties.
Wembley witnessed Messi magic as the 34-year old has now made 46 goal contributions in the 45 finals that he has played in his career.
And judging by the two assists that he recorded on his record-extending 161st Argentina appearance last night, there is no sign of Messi slowing down with the chance to win a first World Cup title later this year.
“What we experienced here was beautiful,” Messi said. “We knew it was going to be a nice game and a nice setting in which to be champions.”
It was a painful return for the Italians to Wembley Stadium, who continue their miserable international run despite winning their Euro title last year on the same turf.
The Azzuri will miss playing at the World Cup for the second successive time.
Argentina’s victory in front of 87,112 continues their remarkable run of results since June 2019 – they are unbeaten in 32 matches, winning their first Copa America since 1993 and cruising through qualification for the World Cup in Qatar in the process.
It is 36 years since Argentina won the World Cup. With this side, marrying its undoubted talent with a supreme work-rate, they would appear to have an excellent chance of ending their wait for a third global crown.
