Argentina vs. Brazil, Copa America final 2021 score: Messi achieves international glory for first time
SMA NEWS – COPA AMERICA
A 22nd-minute goal by Angel Di Maria was all that Argentina needed in a chippy final with nine yellow cards. Midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, who was the best player on the field, found Di Maria on the right wing with a long through ball that beat Brazil’s high line. Di Maria controlled it and lofted it over Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson, who came off his line to challenge.
Lionel Messi has finally done it. After years of championship final heartbreak with Argentina, the 34-year-old soccer legend won his first major title with his national team after a 1-0 victory over archrival Brazil in the 2021 Copa America final Saturday night in Rio de Janeiro.
The Copa America triumph ended a 28-year drought for Argentina, which last won the title in 1993. It also marked the first time Brazil has failed to win a Copa America tournament that it has hosted
Brazil brought in reinforcements in the second half, but it could never muster a response. Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was called into action on two important plays in the second half, parrying shots by Richarilson and Gabriel Jesus. There was also a penalty shout when Gabriel Jesus took a late tumble in the box, but it was a Brazil with too few ideas on the night and it ultimately never found the equalizer.
