Lionel Messi praised Argentina’s “beautiful final” after they defeated Italy 3-0 to earn Finalissima success at a sold-out and partisan Wembley.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner put on a memorable performance at England’s national stadium, providing two assists to bring even more trophy joy to his nation after last summer’s Copa America triumph ended a 28-year wait for the title.
Goals from Lautaro Martinez, Angel Di Maria and Paulo Dybala helped Argentina win the third edition of the Cup of Champions, with the South Americans also winning in the 1993 game.
Wembley was awash in sky blue and white and the Argentines enjoyed their first trip to the new stadium, having last visited in 2000 for a friendly at the old venue.
“It was a beautiful final full of Argentines. What we experienced here was beautiful,” Messi told reporters.
“We are here to fight everyone. Today was a nice test because Italy are a great team.
“We knew it was going to be a beautiful game and environment to be champions.”
Messi has endured a tough debut season at Paris St. Germain, scoring just 11 goals, his lowest goals in 16 years.
In what may be his last appearance in England, the former Barcelona forward set up the first after a wonderful spin to fool Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Martinez finding Messi’s centre.
Messi shone as Argentina underlined their World Cup credentials (John Walton/PA)
(PA wire)
The 35-year-old flashed even more brilliance and midway through the second half he almost added another miracle goal to his biggest strikes, but his waltz off the halfway line ended in a tame shot straight at Gianluigi Donnarumma.
It was 2-0 at that point as Di Maria outplayed his PSG colleague in injury time of the first 45 and while Messi continued to be rejected by his club-mate, a final magic moment happened.
With practically the last shot of the duel, Messi would make yet another wild run that ended at the edge of Italy’s penalty area, but he was still able to set the tone for substitute Dybala to fire home and make it 3-0.
Boss Lionel Scaloni added: “We’re trying to make people feel like they identify with the team.
Argentina throws Lionel Messi in the air (Mike Egerton/PA)
(PA wire)
“What matters is the sacrifice and the struggle that the group shows. Beyond the title, we always look for performance.”
It was a difficult game for Roberto Mancini and his side, who returned to Wembley for the first time since their glorious night at the stadium last July when they beat England on penalties to win Euro 2020.
Whilst this was a moment of celebration for Italy, off the field it was an event marred by crowd troubles but the contrast could not have been stronger this time as the evening seemed to go perfectly according to plan in the stands amid a party atmosphere.
It was a tough night for Roberto Mancini (Mike Egerton/PA)
(PA wire)
“Playing at Wembley is fantastic,” said Mancini.
“Every time we play here, it’s an incredible moment for football and for us. The atmosphere tonight was absolutely fantastic, maybe not so good for us in the end, but that’s football.
“I think they played better than us. We conceded the first goal through our mistake and after Leo (Bonucci) was booked it was very difficult for him to play.
“Perhaps for that reason he didn’t attack the second goal like he can every time. After being in control of the game in the second half and having a fantastic striker, they played very, very well in midfield.”
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