Argentina won their first major title in 28 years after defeating Brazil 1-0 in the final of Copa America 2021 on Saturday at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
I was sad before, but I knew that at some point it was going to happen. I feel that God was saving this moment for me, against Brazil in a final and in their country.
Lionel Messi after the win in post-match interview
Di Maria’s match winning goal
Angel Di Maria’s 22nd-minute strike put Argentina on top. A long pass from De Paul to Di Maria. A through ball found Di Maria on the right flank, as he goes past the left-back defender and lobs it past goalkeeper Ederson, an excellent finish. He was named the Man of the Match for his splendid goal. It was only the third goal Brazil conceded in the tournament. Brazil kept attacking throughout and came close to equalizing multiple times in the match but Argentina’s rock-solid defense didn’t concede any goal.
Argentina defeated Brazil in the Copa América final for the first time since 1937. It was Argentina’s first title since 1993 and the 15th Copa America title. They draw level with Uruguay as the all-time leading winners in terms of Copa America titles.
It was a very emotional moment for Lionel Messi as he lifts his first senior international trophy. Lionel Messi had a fantastic tournament. He scored four goals and laying on five assists. Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez won the best goalkeeper award. He kept four clean sheets throughout the tournament and became the first Argentine goalkeeper to win this award.
“If you knew the way that he (Messi) played in Copa America you’d love him even more. You can never do without a player like him, even when he is not fully fit like in this game and the previous one. In the end, he did not throw in the towel and he succeeded. We are talking about the best footballer of all time and everyone knew how important it was for him to win a title with the national team.” Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni on Lionel Messi.
Copa America 2021 awards
Golden Boot Award: Lionel Messi
Best Goalkeeper (Golden Glove) Award: Emiliano Martinez
Golden Ball Award: Lionel Messi
Best Player of the final: Angel di Maria