Lionel Messi clinched his first major international title as Argentina ended a 28-year old trophy drought in Brazil’s Maracana Stadium.
Elated at the final whistle Messi and his team-mates celebrated a historic win over their arch rivals in their own backyard. This was Messi’s 10th major tournament as he finally claimed a top level honour.
Before the game Brazil were regarded as slight favourites after being in impressive form throughout the tournament. They had added motivation as they were playing at home and had never lost a Copa Final at their turf. Also it was an opportunity for their talisman Neymar to win his first international title, but this occasion belonged to Argentina.
In a tense game that was more about grind that glamour Angel Di Maria produced a moment of magic to score the winner. He took a brilliant Rodrigo de Paul lofted pass and finished with a lob beating Brazil keeper Ederson on 22 minutes.
Messi then had a glorious late chance to wrap up the game, but he fumbled his chance with only the keeper to beat. It didn’t matter at the end as La Albiceleste held on to win their 15th Copa America title.
Tears for Neymar and Brazil
When the original Maracana was built for the 1950 World Cup final, Brazil were beaten by Uruguay to leave a scar. This defeat to Argentina will also linger long in the memory of the Selecao fans and players. Despite Brazil forcing Emiliano Martinez into a couple of good saves, they would be disappointed by the overall performance.
This will be seen as a missed opportunity to add more silverware and start legacy. Brazil do have the players now to build a team for success. But they have to be ruthless and efficient if they are to make a mark at next year’s World Cup.
This defeat also means Neymar, remains without an international trophy and was seen in tears at the full time whistle.
Glory for Messi at last
If there were ever a doubt about Messi’s greatness it has truly been washed away now. For long he was maligned for not turning his club form for his country. This despite the Barcelona forward leading Argentina to three major finals including the 2014 World Cup. Yet their was no trophy to show for his efforts with the national side.
He had won trophies in abundance with Barcelona – but international success was the one he craved the most. Messi is a great of the modern era and this will further cement his legacy. He dropped to the ground in joy and relief at the full time whistle displaying how hard this journey has been for one of the greatest to ever grace the game.
For Argentina a first major honour since 1993 is highly significant. A passionate fan base who love their football have been starved for success for so long. This will mean a lot to a team that will now believe it is capable to much more. Stars like Lautaro Martinez, Angel Di Maria, Nicolas Otamendi while great at club finally have an international trophy. This puts them in Argentina’s folkfore forvever alongside some of the greatest players in their country. They will now be hoping they can continue this pattern and build a team that will be a threat at 2022 World Cup.
For now the world belongs to Messi and Argentina.
( Title Photo : Reuters)