Lionel Messi and Argentina end 28-year major international trophy drought with Copa America win

Leo Messi lifted by mates as they win Copa America

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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