Lionel Messi earned his first title with Argentina in the Copa America final on Saturday, after Angel Di Maria’s goal handed Argentina a 1-0 victory against hosts Brazil.
The win at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana stadium ended Argentina’s 28-year drought for a major title, as well as Brazil’s more than 2,500-day undefeated home record.
Argentina last won a major competition in 1993, when the legendary Gabriel Batistuta scored twice to deliver Argentina a 2-1 victory over Mexico in the Copa final in Ecuador.
“It’s a great title, especially for our people. The fans support the team unconditionally. I think they can identify with this team that never gives in,” said Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni.
Brazil has failed to capture the title for the first time in six editions played at home.
Whilst Messi’s adventure has come to an end, Brazil’s Neymar, five years his junior, is still without a major international title, having missed the Selecao’s victory on home soil two years ago due to injury.
Argentina survived a bruising and contentious match thanks to Di Maria’s goal after 22 minutes.
The 33-year-old winger raced Rodrigo De Paul’s splendid through ball and lobbed Brazil goalkeeper Ederson with a first time finish.
“We fell short so many times, we dreamt so much about this, fought so hard,” said Di Maria, who was named man of the match.
“Many people said we wouldn’t manage it, we were criticized a lot. But we kept knocking at the door and kept going until today we knocked it down and entered.”
