Copa America: Messi breaks jinx as Argentina defeat Brazil

A goal by Angel Di Maria in the 22nd minute was all Argentina needed to end the 28 years trophy drought and afford Messi a first title win.

Ahmed Oluwasanjo • July 11, 2021

Barcelona star, Lionel Messi, finally broke the jinx of not winning a major trophy with his senior national team as Argentina defeated Brazil 1-0 to emerge winner of Copa America 2021.

A goal by Angel Di Maria in the 22nd minute was all Argentina, who last won Copa America in 1993, needed to end the 28 years trophy drought and afford Messi a first title win after 10 tournaments for his country without success.

With four goals and five assists, Messi also emerged as the highest goal scorer in the competition, putting paid to criticisms that he makes subpar performances for his nation.

Ranked eight best team in the world by FIFA, Argentina started this year’s Copa America struggling.

Starting with a 1-1 draw against Chile, Argentina went on to win their next three matches in a lukewarm manner. A 1-0 win over Uruguay, a 1-0 win over Paraguay and a 4-1 win over Boliva eventually saw Argentina emerge top of their group with just seven goals.

However, Argentina had an emphatic 3-0 quarter-finals victory over Ecuador while edging out Colombia in penalty shoot-out in the semi-finals.

Argentina’s win over defending champions Brazil is also regarded as posthumous honour to football legend Diego Maradona who passed on last year.

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