Copa America

Lionel Messi secured his first major championship with his national team as Argentina defeated rival Brazil. The 1-0 final featured a 22nd minute goal by Angel Di Maria who chipped the winner over the head of Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson after masterfully securing a long lob from teammate Rodrigo de Paul. Messi was Player of the Tournament, scoring four goals, though missing a late opportunity for a fifth goal in the final.

🐐 Congratulations to Lionel Messi on winning Copa América with @Argentina 🇦🇷

👏🏻 He deserves this pic.twitter.com/TNwE6YLydU

— Cádiz CF 🇮🇳 (@Cadiz_CFIN) July 11, 2021

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez was little troubled by the Brazilians, needing to make only two saves, one on a shot by Everton’s Richarlison. Ederson equally faced only two shots on target in a grueling match which saw 41 fouls and nine yellow cards. Argentina 15th Copa America triumph, its first since 1993, matches Uruguay for the most by a country. Argentina is currently on a 20-match unbeaten run while Brazil lost for the first time since a 2018 World Cup quarterfinal loss to Belgium.