Fans of Messi and Argentina were given a reason to go ecstatic without shame or judgement. On Saturday, Messi-led Argentina defeated Brazil 1-0 to win the Copa America 2021 title. With its win, the team ended its 28-year-drought to win a major title. The goal-short game wasn’t short of records as another drought was ended – Messi finally lifted a major trophy for his national team, something he and his fans were long waiting for.
Details
The Brazilian team, known for his consistent results, went on the field with “if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it” approach and have any changes Meanwhile, Argentinian side took to the field with 5 changes – and giving Di Maria another opportunity after he performed well against Colombia last time.
Lionel Messi with Copa America 2021 Trophy | Image Credit: Messi’s Facebook Account
Game Begins
The game began with a frenzy and the first chance emerged on the 13th minute when Marquinhos passed the ball to Richarlison who met with Neymar. However, the trio were met with the Argentinian defenders.
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Argentina’s Eagerness Palpable
Meanwhile, Argentina’s eagerness to bring the trophy home was palpable as with aggression and unwavering commitment, the team continued defending and taking shots once in a while. Meanwhile, Di Maria, who was brought in today also posed a challenged to the opposition, especially to Renan Lodi, the left back. Due to Di Maria’s relentless troubles, Lodi couldn’t cut out a crucial pass by De Paul.
Lionel Messi with his Teammates | Image Credit: Copa America
Host Looks like Shadow of Former Self
While, Argentinian side was playing astoundingly well – and one would expect a world class team would play in a final, the Brazilian side looked to be a shadow of its former self. The team kept missing free-kicks, and struggled to create opportunities. In the later stages of the first half, the Brazilian side did manage to pose some challenge to its guests. However, Brazilian forward Everton’s deflected kick was well defended by Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
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And Goal!
The first goal of the team in blue came in the 22nd minute after Di Maria received a long pass from de Paul. Di Maria got some weak defending to deselect from Renan Lodi and soon kicked the ball past Ederson, the Brazilian goalkeeper.
Time for a Half Time
At half-time, Brazilian coach realized the best course of defence is a good offence and replaced midfielder Fred by the aggressive forward Roberto. Post half-time, it seemed like a new life was breathed into the hosts. While Richarlison did manage to put the ball through the nets, he was called out by the referee and was given offside.
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Game Slipping Away from Brazil
With every passing minute, Argentina was smelling the victory and the hosts realized the game was slipping away from them. This led to some unnecessary but equally understandable bickering, confrontations and fouls by the players.
The 5-time world champions tried to come back in the game again by the end of the second half. Star footballer Neymar did try to prolong the inevitable and wrapped his left foot around the ball to send it to the goalpost, but the pressure got the best of him as it was way wide of the goal.
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Messi Creates History
And that was that! Argentina created history and Messi will be written in the history books. After the game ended, Messi was tossed in the air by his teammates. It was history for the 34-year-old legend. It was his first senior international trophy which came 16 years after his debut. Meanwhile, he also helped his team the 280-year major trophy drought.
