The wait is over for Lionel Messi and Argentina who had not lifted a major international trophy since 1993. After over a decade of trophy-winning with Barcelona, Lionel Messi finally won a major title with Argentina (in his 10th major tournament). Argentina's 1-0 victory in the Copa America final on Saturday was the result of team effort - being Argentina's first and only goal in the tournament (out of 12) not to involve Messi.
Argentina coach Lionel
Scaloni took the risk of changing the team that won the semi-finals and it
proved worthwhile. Guido Rodriguez gave way to Leandro Paredes, and Nicolas
Gonzales on the left wing gave way to Angel di Maria - who scored the winner.
He also changed the 4-3-3 line-up for a 4-4-2.
The
Argentine captain had an opportunity to sign off Argentina's win with an extra
goal but slipped with the goal at his mercy. Messi was named MVP (Most Valuable
Player) of the tournament alongside Neymar, and won the Golden Boot for most
goals scored - with 4 goals and 5 assists. Messi and Neymar shared a long
embrace after the final whistle. Neymar who missed the last Copa America in
2019 due to injury will have to wait another year for hopes of glory with the
Selecao.
"The happiness is immense," said Messi after the
game as he also praised the attitude of the Argentina squad. "Many times I
dreamed of this.
"I had a lot of confidence
in this group that became very strong since the last Copa America. It is a
group of very good people, who always push forward, who never complain about
anything."
"If you knew the way that he
[Messi] played in the Copa America you'd love him even more," said
Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni.
"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 [Messi] did
not throw in the towel and he succeeded," said Scaloni.
"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."
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