Lionel Messi has stacked titles with FC Barcelona – but in the national team, the superstar has had a harder time winning big titles. Messi was involved in winning the Olympics with Argentina in Beijing in 2008, but in the big tournaments WC and Copa América it has been heavier, where until this year there have been four final losses, of which one in WC WC three in Copa América – until tonight.
Last night, Messi played his fourth final in the Copa América when “La Albiceleste” faced arch-rival and reigning champion Brazil at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro in front of 7,000 spectators.
In a tough and hard match, where nine yellow cards were handed out, Ángel Di María finally became a great hero through his goal in the first half, which would prove to be the only match of the match, where he lobbed the ball over an intoxicating Ederson after a deep lead. .
Messi had a great chance to secure Argentina’s victory with a free kick in the 88th minute, but failed in his attempt to round Ederson in Brazil’s goal.
Brazil were on for an equalizer, but Argentina managed to hold on and secure their first title in the Copa América since 1993, and then the first for players like Messi and Di María.
In total, Argentina has now won the Copa América 15 times, the most ever with Uruguay.
The Argentine players celebrated big after the victory, where Messi was also praised as the tournament’s best player. Brazil’s big star Neymar was in tears after the loss, but was also seen hugging his former teammate Lionel Messi after the final whistle.
Startelvor:
Argentina: Martínez – Montiel, Romero, Otamendi, Acuna – Di María, De Paul, Paredes, Lo Celso – Messi, Martinez.
Brazil: Ederson – Danilo, Marquinhos, Thiago Silva, Lodi – Paqueta, Casemiro, Fred – Everton, Neymar, Richarlison.
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