Posted by Argentina defeated Brazil in the Copa America final in Rio’s Maracana stadium, ending Lionel Messi’s wait for his first major international title. At the full-time whistle, Messi, 34, fell to the ground in excitement and was quickly swarmed by his teammates before being thrown in the air in celebration, as he finally achieved top-level honors with his country in his 10th major tournament.
He also helped Argentina win the competition for the first time in 28 years, and he was awarded player of the tournament after scoring four goals in the competition.
After intercepting Rodrigo de Paul’s lofted pass, Angel di Maria proved the matchwinner with a beautiful lob.
Messi had a chance to seal the victory with a goal at his mercy, but he slipped with the game on the line. It would have been the perfect ending for the Argentine captain. “The happiness is great,” Messi stated after the game, praising the Argentina team’s mentality.
Source: BBC Sport