Copa America: Messi breaks jinx as Argentina defeat Brazil
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
However, Argentina had an emphatic 3-0Â quarter-finals victory over Ecuador while edging out Colombia in penalty shoot-out in the semi-finals.Â
Argentina’s win over defending champions Brazil is also regarded as posthumous honour to football legend Diego Maradona who passed on last year.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Sport
BFN urges Eniola Bolaji to sustain momentum after winning gold
Ms Bolaji, the world number two, defeated Brazil’s Kauana Beckenkamp 2-0 (21-12, 21-12) in the final on Sunday to emerge champion.
States
ISWAP top commander, nine terrorists killed in Borno airstrike: NAF
NAF killed nine ISWAP fighters in an airstrike in Borno, including a key commander responsible for escorting high-value members of the group.
NationWide
Energy experts say NNPC diverting attention from allegation GCEO Bayo Ojulari awarded oil blocks to wife, cronies
The forum alleged that Mr Ojulari’s cronies and friends, including one of his wives, secured favourable oil blocks through insider influence.
Lagos
Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway: Umahi hails Sanwo-Olu for supporting Tinubu’s efforts
Mr Umahi urged Mr Sanwo-Olu’s administration to provide more support as the federal government would begin construction of the service lane of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
Economy
Russia’s richest woman Tatyana Kim’s online marketplace Wildberries faces Ukraine’s wrath
Wildberries, Russia’s largest online retailer, co-founded by billionaire entrepreneur Tatyana Kim, has suffered billions of dollars in losses, with 23 of its warehouses hit.
Sport
Flying Eagles: Nigeria fail to qualify for U-20 World Cup after losing to Burkina Faso
The seven-time African champions, coached by Abdul Maikaba, lost 4-1 to the Young Stallions of Burkina Faso at the Stade Charles Konan Banny in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire.
