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Copa America 2020 Final: Argentina & Messi are South America champions after Di Maria scores

Argentina is looking to lift their first title since winning the Copa America in 1993. For Brazil and Neymar, it is about making a statement ahead of next year’s FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

July 11, 2021 / 07:34 am IST

It is Messi's year as Argentina end their 28-year title drought. It was Di Maria's 21st minute goal that was the decider. Messi has been brilliant on the night. He had a chance in the dying moments of the match, but could not convert. Argentina looked lethal every time Messi and Di Maria had the ball. They were shaky in midfield and defence, but they held on to deny Neymar and Brazil. Neymay will have to wait until the World Cup next year to get another chance at a major international title. Messi has prevailed and delivered for Argentina. He is the top scorer and has most assists for Argentina in the tournament.

  • Copa America 2020 Final: Argentina & Messi are South America champions after Di Maria scores
    Teammates lift Argentina's Lionel Messi after beating Brazil 1-0 during the Copa America final soccer match at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, July 10, 2021. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)
    Moneycontrol.com
  • July 11, 2021 / 07:24 AM IST

    Full-time

    : Argentina are champions of South America. They have beaten Brazil on their turf. Di Maria's 21st minute goal is the difference. Messi has finally got his hands on an elusive international trophy. He has led from the front and delivered this time!

  • July 11, 2021 / 07:18 AM IST

    90'

    : 5 agonising minutes added on for Argentina.

  • July 11, 2021 / 07:17 AM IST

    89'

    : Montiel goes into the books now. Messi almost scored a minute before. He was one on one with the goalkeeper, but he couldn't get his shot away. He looks exhausted. The break from Brazil is stopped by Montiel for a rash challenge and he is booked.

  • July 11, 2021 / 07:15 AM IST

    87'

    : Martinez is up to the task again. Gabi fires a volley on goal following a corner, but Martinez is up to the task.

  • July 11, 2021 / 07:11 AM IST

    81'

    : Double booking. Otamendi brings down Neymar with a heavy challenge. Marquinhos retaliates by pushing Otamendi to the ground. Both are booked. It is getting very physical now.

  • July 11, 2021 / 07:08 AM IST

    79'

    : Argentina respond with a triple substitution. Palacios, Gonzales and Pezzella in for Di Maria, Martinez and Romero.

  • July 11, 2021 / 07:03 AM IST

    76'

    : Double substitution for Brazil. Pacqueta and Lodi, both on bookings, go off. In come Emerson and Barbosa. It is another attacking change for Brazil. They are running out of time.

  • July 11, 2021 / 07:01 AM IST

    72'

    : Lucas Pacqueta goes into the book now. He has been clumsy while tackling all night. This time he is booked for an unnecessary push.

  • July 11, 2021 / 06:57 AM IST

    70'

    : It is Brazil's time to be booked. De Paul is brought down by Lodi and he goes into the books.

  • July 11, 2021 / 06:56 AM IST

    68'

    : De Paul goes into the books now. It is Neymar who is brought down again. That is three Argentine players who have been booked now. The other two have been substituted since then. Neymar may not have caused problems in front of goal for Argentina, but his runs in midfield have caused problems for Argentina.

  • July 11, 2021 / 06:54 AM IST

    64'

    : Argentina almost extend their lead. Messi runs into the box with Martinez and Maria flanking him on either sides. He takes a shot, but it is blocked. The ball falls to Di Maria, who tries to chip it, but that too is blocked. Messi was running into a wall there. A pass to Di Maria would have been the better option.

  • July 11, 2021 / 06:50 AM IST

    63'

    : Vinicius Junior is on for Brazil. Fred comes off. Argentina too make a substitution. Thagliafico is on for Lo Celso.

  • July 11, 2021 / 06:46 AM IST

    60'

    : It is all Brazil at the moment. Argentina are very sloppy in midfield as they fail to hold on to the ball. Even the defence appears to be shaky.

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