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Argentina beat Brazil to win the Copa America, their first major title since 1993 and the first major international crown for captain Lionel Messi.
The victory at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro adds international accolade to Messi’s CV, having won numerous club-level trophies with Barcelona.
It was an entertaining but fierce game for both sides as Messi faced ex-Barca teammate Neymar, who suffered fouls several times throughout the night.
Angel Di Maria put Argentina ahead and finally won the game in the 22nd minute when he jumped on Rodan Lodi’s errant clearance and looped the ball over Ederson for the goal.
Brazil appeared to have equalized the game in the 52nd minute when they beat Emiliano Martinez but was ruled offside. A few minutes later, Richarlison saw his point blank shot blocked by Martinez.
The hosts kept the pressure on as time went by and Gabriel Barbosa hit a nice ball on a rebound which was parried by Martinez in the 86th minute.
Messi’s best chance to score a goal came in the 87th minute when he found himself alone against Ederson, only to put the ball under his feet for the rare mistake.
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