Messi Wins First Major International Trophy As Argentina Beats Brazil To Lift Copa America Title

Argentina’s superstar Lionel Messi won his first championship with his national team in the Copa America final on Saturday, thanks to Angel Di Maria’s goal, which handed Argentina a 1-0 victory over hosts Brazil.

Argentina’s 28-year drought for a major title came to an end with the triumph at Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, which also ended Brazil’s 2,500-day unbeaten home record.

Argentina last won a major event in 1993, when the legendary Gabriel Batistuta scored a brace in the Copa final in Ecuador, giving Argentina a 2-1 victory over Mexico.

Argentina won a tense match owing to Di Maria’s goal on the 22nd minute.

With a first-time finish, the 33-year-old winger sprinted onto Rodrigo De Paul’s beautiful through ball and lobbed Brazil goalkeeper Ederson.

At the end of the half, Brazil managed to increase the pressure again, but they lacked a lethal touch against some ferocious defending, with Montiel’s white sock covered in blood.

Martinez was equal to a shot on target by Brazil replacement Gabriel Barbosa.

Messi slipped late in the game when through on goal, with a chance to seal the victory, but it didn’t matter because his teammates were tossing him in the air to celebrate their victory moments later.