Messi’s wait is over ‍as Argentina win Copa

Argentina won the Copa America 2020 title as they beat Brazil 1-0 in the final at the historic Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday. With the victory over Brazil, Argentina ended a 28-year major title drought. Argentina had last tasted success at a major tournament in 1993 when the great Gabriel Batistuta’s brace gave them a 2-1 win over Mexico in the Copa final in Ecuador.

This is also Lionel Messi’s first major trophy with the Argentina national team. He does it 16 years after making his debut for Argentina. Argentina’s winning goal came in the 22nd minute after Rodrigo de Paul made a long pass to Angel di Maria. The 33-year-old veteran striker counted on some sloppy defending from left-back Renan Lodi to take control and lob it past goalkeeper Ederson.

It was only the third goal Brazil conceded in the tournament. Neymar tried hard with dribbles and passes, but the Selecao barely threatened Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. Messi could have wrapped up the win two minutes from time but slipped when clean through with only Ederson to beat.