For the record books and records, Messi was voted the tournament's top scorer with four goals and Neymar the tournament's best player. Messi is a winner at the international level and has been in four previous finals on the losing side, three times in the Copa America and once in the 2014 World Cup. His only titles for Argentina were the 2005 Under-20 World Cup title and a gold medal in Beijing Olympics in 2008.
Argentina won their first major title since 1993 with Lionel Messi winning his first major trophy for the country. On Saturday, Argentina won their first trophy since 1993 when Lionel Messi and Argentina defeated Brazil 1-0 in the Copa America Centenario final at the Maracana. Angel Maria's first-half goal was enough for Argentina to take home the trophy - an impressive result that saw Messi take the lead and confirm his international career at the biggest tournament of the year.
Argentina defeated Brazil 1-0 in Saturday's Copa America final to secure the first national team title in 28 years. Argentina's win at Rio de Janeiro's Maracana Stadium came in the 22nd minute when Rodrigo Paul played a long pass to Angel Di Maria.
Argentina won their first major international title since Copa America 1993 with 1-0 drubbing rivals Brazil at Maracana in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday night to end two of the most iconic sagas of football in world football. For Messi, his goal is to achieve greatness at international level, or at least achieve enough for his country. The final of COPA America 2007 was the last time Brazil and Argentina met in a major trophy that went the way of the Selecao.
Amid the raucous Argentine celebrations at full-time, it was clear that Messi was at the heart of the team's triumph over their old rivals, both for him and Argentina. Speaking to reporters after the second defeat by Chile, Messi said: 'The national team is my home.
It is 15 years since Messi last represented Argentina in a major tournament - four World Cups and six Copa America triumphs in 53 games - and he is still waiting for the major international title that he and Argentina craved.
Lionel Messi has finally won a major international trophy after Argentina beat Brazil 1-0 on Saturday in a pulsating Copa America final. The Argentine star fell to the floor in jubilation after the final whistle and jeered at his team-mates before throwing himself into the air in celebration as he claimed the highest accolade for Argentina at his tenth major tournament. After a lot of hard work in the group stage and early knockout rounds, four goals and five assists made Messi the top performer in every category of the tournament, although he did get a little help from his friends in the final cup round.
Lionel Messi won his first trophy with the national team after Angel Di Maria's goal landed Argentina a 1-0 win over hosts Brazil on Saturday in the Copa America final. Saturday's win in Rio handed Argentina their 15th Copa America title and moved them level on points with Uruguay. Argentina's victory was above all a triumph for Barcelona striker Lionel Messi, who first won a blue and white jersey in more than a decade as well as club and individual berths.
After so many World Cup finals and heartbreak for Argentina, the 34-year-old finally won his first major title with his country with a 1-0 victory over arch-rival Brazil in the final of the 2021 Copa America in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday night.
All eyes were on Lionel Messi and Neymar, but Angel Di Maria stole the headlines as he scored a wonderful chip to give Argentina the lead. A goal from Di Maria in the 22nd minute was enough for Argentina after a disjointed final with nine yellow cards. Di Maria proved to be the match-winner with his delightful flick after Rodrigo Pauls' pass.
Brazil put pressure on and pushed Neymar into the lead but Argentina's defense held firm and gave Lionel Messi his moment of glory on the international stage.
After a quiet first half with no dangerous scoring opportunities, Brazil emerged from the break with a sense of urgency. Di Maria, making his second start in a record-breaking 15th Copa America, justified his selection with the opening goal midway through the first half. While Lionel Messi was undoubtedly influential, Rodrigo, Paul Angel Di Maria and Emiliano Martinez all competed at different points in the game and tournament to turn Argentina's triumph into a real team effort.
Brazil, who had struggled for consistency in front of goal for much of the tournament, endured a nightmare of an attacking game that never found its way. Neymar tries to dribble past a pass as he threatens Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
The 33-year-old veteran striker was fouled by sloppy defending left-back Renan Lodi, who took the ball from goalkeeper Ederson. It was a moment that, for the past 28 years at least, has evoked the ghosts of past finals. A year after the Copa America in 2019 in which Argentina lost in the semi-finals to hosts Brazil, the Copa Americas were added to the calendar to mark a change in the four-year cycle that coincided with the European Championship.
He reached four finals against Argentina - the Copa America in 2007, 2015 and 2016 and the 2014 World Cup - but can't take sole responsibility for these defeats - of which two were on penalties. The only way to shake off that reputation is to crush Argentina head on and win a brilliant trophy. Messi will be 34 before COPA America and it is his last real chance to get what has eluded him throughout his career: a major international trophy.
