Lionel Messi danced with delight as Argentina edged past Brazil 1-0 in the Copa America final – ending his wait for a first major international title.
The Barcelona superstar was hoisted into the air by his joyous teammates as he finally claimed top-level honours with his country in his 10th major tournament.
Angel di Maria proved the match-winner at the Maracana stadium, scoring a superb lob over the head of Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson midway through the first half following a fine Rodrigo De Paul pass.
It is the first time in 28 years Argentina have won the Copa America and it was a hugely personal triumph for their greatest player, Messi.
The six-time Ballon d’Or winner has been a beaten finalist on four separate occasions with Argentina – three times in the Copa America and once in the World Cup – but finally led his nation to glory at the age of 34.
With no spectators allowed at the stadium in Rio, Messi facetimed his family after the match on the pitch and his delight was clear to see.
His family were unable to be in Brazil to share his moment of glory due to COVID restrictions.
Messi was then filmed by team mates dancing the dressing room as they chanted his name.
He said: “There were many days locked up, but the objective was clear and we were able to be champions.
“The happiness is immense. Many times I dreamed of this.”
He later posted a picture of himself with the trophy on social media, declaring: “What a beautiful madness! This amazing. Thank you God.”
Messi called his family to celebrate Argentina’s Copa America win
(via @CopaAmerica)pic.twitter.com/ZPvqGjxfHA
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 11, 2021
Defending champions Brazil were disappointing, with their only chances of note coming when Richarlison and Gabriel Barbosa forced saves from Emi Martinez.
Messi’s joyous celebrations were in stark contract to his former Barcelona teammate and Brazil’s star man Neymar.
The 29-year-old Paris Saint-Germain superstar – who had missed out on Brazil’s last Copa America triumph due to injury – was left in tears on the pitch after the defeat on home soil.
He was embraced by Messi in a long-lasting hug while they waited for the trophy ceremony.
The pair had earlier been awarded as joint players of the tournament.
https://talksport.com/football/910235/lionel-messi-dances-joy-tears-family-argentina-neymar-brazil-copa-america/
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