Argentina won its first major title since 1993 after a 1-0 victory against Brazil. Meanwhile Argentina captain Lionel Messi finally lifted his first major trophy for the national team. This was the only thing left in his career, which he fulfilled today. Argentina scored the goal in the 22nd minute after Rodrigo de Paul assisted Angel di Maria. The 33-year-old counted on some sloppy defending from left-back Renan Lodi to take control and lob it past goalkeeper Ederson.
Before the match, Messi was criticised for his quietness and never winning a trophy, many fans chanting his name at Maracana and celebrating. Messi kissed the trophy before lifting it into the air. The coach Lionel Scaloni had made five changes that thrashed Colombia on penalties in the semi-final.
Those five changes were Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Marcos Acuna, Leonardo Paredes and di Maria. Their rival Brazil was known for their steadiness as they made no changes from the team that played in the semi-finals.
Messi’s performance in the final was not well as compared to the semi-finals where he scored a goal. Argentina got its last major title when Messi was only 6 years old. This victory included the team’s 15th title of Copa America, equalling Uruguay’s total. Meanwhile, Brazil has won nine South American titles.