In the 2021 Copa America final, Lionel Messi and Argentina fought tooth and nail against Brazil, eventually winning 1-0 thanks to an Angel Di Maria goal in the 22nd minute. La Albiceleste hung on to their slim lead to produce a spirited performance that earned them the title.
Argentina’s first major international victory in 28 years was won by Lionel Messi, who finally ended his international trophy drought.
Lionel Messi, who has been chastised for his lack of international success, has responded by winning the Copa America 2021 and leading by example. The 34-year-old put up numerous outstanding performances throughout the tournament, ending as the event’s leading goal scorer and player of the tournament.
Lionel Messi finished nearly twice as many goal involvements as the next best player, Neymar Jr., with 4 goals and 5 assists (2 goals and 3 assists). The long-awaited historic victory elicited a worldwide outpouring of passion, as most people believed the win was well-deserved.
Argentina also came into the game with a dreadful 28-year trophy drought dating back to 1993, when they beat Mexico 2-1 in this particular event.
In a tensely contested football encounter, Angel Di Maria of Paris Saint-Germain came through in the critical moment for Argentina, scoring the game’s only goal with a well-timed chip over Ederson in the 22nd minute.
Full-back for Atletico Madrid Rodrigo De Paul put a well-weighted pass into the path of Di Maria after Renan Lodi fluffed his clearance. Before lobbing Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson, the 33-year-old took a beautiful first touch.
Brazil tried everything in the kitchen sink to get back into the game but was thwarted by the tenacious Argentine defence.
Argentina’s players and coaching staff raced to Lionel Messi’s side after the final whistle to congratulate him on adding the elusive international title to his trophy cabinet in his 10th major international competition.
With the victory, La Albiceleste equalled Uruguay as the most decorated nation at the Copa America competition, with 15 titles.
