Match Review: Brazil vs Argentina

COPA AMERICA 2021: MESSI ENDS TROPHY DROUGHT WITH GLORY IN THE MARACANA

After a gap of 28 years, finally Argentina wins the Copa America under the leadership of its iconic captain Lionel Messi defeating arch rivals Brazil. The victory is more important because this is the first victory against Brazil on the rival soil in 12 years. More importantly, this is the first time Argentina defeated Brazil in a tournament final in the last 84 years.

When you talk about the greatest teams in international football, Brazil and Argentina are two names that never allude the conversation. These South American giants are two of the most well-known, respected, loved and historically coveted sides of the game. The greatest and oldest rivalry of football, the 'Super Classico' was to be repeated in the final of the Copa America 2021.

CONMEBOL Copa America, which recently celebrated its 105th anniversary is one of the most prestigious tournaments. This edition was set to be hosted in Argentina and Colombia, but the spread of the pandemic in Argentina and political unrest in Colombia caused some last minute haste and leaving CONMEBOL no choice but to appoint Brazil as the hosts. Brazil were the undoubtedly the best team in South America but they were far from their best. They struggled through the knockout stage but thanks to Lucas Paqueta and Neymar made it to the finals.

Argentina and Lionel Messi were hungry for international glory. Argentina's last major international title was the 1993 Copa America victory. Since then, its been heartbreak. The biggest drawback for Messi in the debate for the greatest player of all time has been his misfortune on the international stage. A loss to Brazil in the 2007 Copa America final, the close miss from World Cup glory in 2014, and losing the Copa America final to Chile in 2015 and 2016. At the age of 34, this was Messi's last real chance to get a trophy for Argentina. Argentina on the other hand had a tougher group facing Uruguay, Chile, Bolivia and Paraguay. The quaterfinal victory against Ecuador and semifinal clash versus Colombia instilled confidence in this squad.

But history was against them, their opponents in the final was their formidable rivals and favorites, Brazil. Brazil on home soil were undefeated in the tournament for the last 46 years, and the last time Argentina beat Brazil in a final was 84 years ago. Neither history nor the odds were in their favor. But, Argentina had the 'Messi' factor, arguably the greatest player to ever play the game was definitely a game changer, someone who could contribute from any position on the pitch. Support for the Albiceleste was flowing in from all over the world, even Brazilian fans who loved Messi were supporting Argentina over their own country, such is the popularity of La Pulga.

Argentina's winning goal at the Maracana Stadium came in the 22nd minute after Rodrigo de Paul made a long pass to Ángel di Maria. The 33-year-old veteran striker counted on some sloppy defending from left-back Renan Lodi to take control and lob it past goalkeeper Ederson.

The second half was dominated by Brazil, creating a lot of chances but closed down and cleared away by Argentinian back line of Otamendi, Rodriguez, Romero and Pezzela. The plays thet went by them were blocked by Emi Martinez. They made sure that Brazil would not get their equalizer at any cost.

When the final whistle was sounded, an emotional Messi knelt down and put his hands on his face. His teammates ran in his direction to celebrate and threw him into the air. Once criticized by Argentina fans for his quietness, he went to the few hundred guests chanting his name at the Maracana and chanted with them. Messi kissed the trophy before lifting it into the air during the presentations. Truly a moment to cherish for a very long time.