Lionel Messi and Argentina won the America’s Cup, beating Brazil 1-0 on Saturday night.
The victory gave Argentina’s national team their hands on a first title in 28 years and it allowed Messi to lift a first major international title.
When the match ended, the recipient of six Golden Balls, in tears, was thrown into the air by his teammates.
Argentina’s game-winning goal at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro came in the 22nd minute, following a long pass from Rodrigo de Paul to Angel di Maria. The 33-year-old veteran took advantage of left-back Renan Lodi’s lack of concentration to grab the ball and lob it behind goalkeeper Ederson.
It was only the third goal allowed by Brazil during the tournament. Neymar tried to create chances with good ball controls and passing passes, but the Brazilians didn’t really threaten Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Head coach Tite’s team had won their last five America’s Cup games and had scored at least one goal in each of them.
Messi’s performance in the final was not as impressive as in previous parts of the tournament, in which he collected a total of four goals and five assists. The Argentina star had a great chance in the 88th minute of play and tried to feign Ederson, but the keeper stopped him.
This title brings some relief to Messi, however, after the many questions throughout his career about his effectiveness with the national team.
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