Lionel Messi’s lengthy wait for international glory is finally over after Argentina defeated Brazil 1-0 in the Copa America final.
A quiet game was decided by Angel Di Maria’s brilliant lob and that’s all that was needed for Messi to capture an honour with his country at the 10th time of asking.
The Barcelona forward, currently out of contract with Barcelona, dropped to his knees at the full-time whistle before his overjoyed teammates swarmed him to begin the celebrations. As well as helping his team go all the way, Messi was also awarded the tournament’s best player prize.
Argentina began the final as significant underdogs but their task was made easier due to the performance from Brazil. Neymar, Brazil’s apparent brightest hope, was quiet throughout with the best chances for the favourites coming from Richarlison and Gabriel Barbosa.
Messi had a brilliant opportunity to add to Di Maria’s first half strike but a slip at the crucial moment prevented him from adding even more magic to his fairy-tale moment. In the end, the solitary goal from the PSG man was enough but it’s Messi who will take the headlines.
As well as deciding what to do with his club future, Messi must also ponder his next step for Argentina. Does he exit international football on such a high or will the World Cup in Qatar next year tempt him to stay on a little longer?